Longtime Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez announced his retirement from the University of Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon. In his speech, Alvarez shared that his retirement will go into effect July 1st.
Matt Lepay, voice of the Badgers, opened the event by saying, “This is a day of celebration.” However, it’s hard for Badger fans not to be a little sad about Alvarez’s departure, knowing the impact he’s had on the university’s athletic department.
The hour long ceremony continued with a video recapping Alvarez’s storied career at Wisconsin. UW Chancellor Rebecca Blank and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers spoke, both thanking and congratulating Alvarez. In addition, Blank shared she will reveal more information on Wednesday about the national search the university will conduct to replace Alvarez.
When you say Barry, you’ve said Wisconsin, and you’ve said it all.
Thanks, Coach. pic.twitter.com/G6SRs7ghuZ
— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) April 6, 2021
During his speech, Alvarez shared stories from his long tenure in Madison and thanked many people. He concluded his remarks by saying, “My career at Wisconsin has been everything I could have asked for and more. Thank you and On, Wisconsin…. [Remember] I am always available to come back out of retirement to coach in a bowl game!”
Thank you for everything, Coach Alvarez! Enjoy retirement, and know you will be greatly missed.
Follow me on Twitter at @Mara__Allen and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content! For the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here. Check out our merch page here and use promo code Wisco at check out for $1 off + free shipping!
