{image1}The UW Badgers have started their first season with football coach Barry Alvarez also serving as athletic director. Can he handle both jobs?

"Things aren't like they used to be is a common refrain today. But, are things really that different?" Alvarez wrote in a recent column for Badger backers.

"When I was hired to coach the UW football team in 1990, the most-frequently asked questions were ... 'Can you make us competitive on the field?' and 'How will you do it?' My answer was simply that we have a great plan and we'll work extremely hard to execute it.

"In April of this year, I accepted a dual role at the UW-Madison by adding Athletic Director duties to my football responsibilities. Since then, the most-asked question has been 'How will you do both jobs effectively?'

"My answer, again, is that I have a plan -- which includes an outstanding administrative and support staff for both the department and football -- and I'm dedicated to accomplishing the tasks to the best of my abilities. I certainly can't be in two places at one time, so I will count upon many individuals to assist."

Alvarez and his staff recently released his administration's first Strategic Plan for athletics. "The plan has a defined set of measurable values and goals that my staff has embraced," Alvarez said.

"The first Strategic Plan from my administration has been produced and shared with staff. The overriding theme is that we value the principles of excellence, integrity and opportunity. The plan identifies 12 priorities within that three-pronged value system and includes measurement goals in each area." The complete plan can be found on the Web site, uwbadgers.com.

Alvarez accurately points out that other college football coaches have also served as ADs with success. But, he takes over the UW athletic program at a time that the Badgers have slipped a bit on the football field from their phenomenal success of the 1990s. Three Rose Bowl trips during that decade raised expectations immensely. But, it's been four years since the last such trip.

Expectations are high again for this season because the Badgers have a fairly experienced squad. The Badgers are ranked 21st in this week's Associated Press poll. They suffered a blow when running back Dwayne Smith had to quite football because of a heart muscle problem.

But, with Anthony Davis and others returning, the Badgers are still expected to compete for the Big Ten title. Alvarez recorded his 100th win at UW Saturday, when the Badgers beat Central Florida, 34-6, in the season opener.

The Badgers didn't blow out CF, but played workmanlike football to win rather easily. Davis suffered an eye injury in the first half and did not return to the game, but is not expected to miss any extended time.

Look for Bucky to go a respectable 5-3 in the conference this season and make a bowl other than the Rose Bowl. You also can bet that anything less than a Big Ten championship will have people questioning whether Alvarez should continue to hold both jobs.

Brewers Sale

Rumors have heated up about the sale of the Brewers since national columnist and baseball commentator Peter Gammons wrote recently that a deal was imminent.

It would surprise this writer if it happened before the end of the season. But, a group headed by Dan Gilbert, the founder of Quicken Loans, is said to be closing in on the Brewers. Gilbert is from Michigan so could commute to games via the Lake Express, or maybe a private jet.

Rumors are that Gilbert's group is lining up local investors to quell fears that the team could be moved. Other groups also reportedly continue to be interested in the franchise, but need to find those local partners.

You could see the announcement of a deal right after the regular season -- a time of the year when the Brewers have made big news off the field in the past -- and certainly expect something by the end of this calendar year.

Hot Tix

The Badgers play their second home game at 11 a.m. Saturday, against UNLV. Renovated Camp Randall is getting rave reviews, even though work will continue on what now is the fourth oldest college football stadium in the country.

On Monday Night Football, the Packers open their regular season against the Carolina Panthers. Remember to look for coverage in On the Pack Tuesday.

In baseball, the Brewers are on the road against the Reds. They return home next Tuesday to host Barry Bonds and the Giants in a three-game series. There are 10 games left at Miller Park, all against teams involved in pennant or wild card races.

The Ironman Wisconsin competition will be held in Madison this weekend. A kickoff press conference with the top competitors was scheduled for Friday.

Looking further ahead, the Bucks announced they will telecast 75 of their 82 games, starting with the Nov. 3 opener at Orlando. Jim Paschke will be back for his 19th season, and John McGlocklin for his 29th.

The Admirals, still waiting new owners, open their camp on Sept. 30 and play their first exhibition game, Oct. 5, against the Chicago Wolves in Fond du Lac. They open the regular season Oct. 15 and will unveil last season's American Hockey League championship banner at that opener.