MADISON, Wis. — Saturday’s opening kickoff featured two brothers, each at opposite points of their University of Wisconsin football careers, contributing on the field at the same time.
Graduate running back Grover Bortolotti is at the twilight of his time at Wisconsin, as he was among the many Badgers celebrated on Senior Day last weekend, while freshman running back Harrison Bortolotti is just getting started in Madison.
Both began their time at Wisconsin as walk-ons, and now both have carved out special teams roles together on the kickoff coverage unit.
“It means a ton,” Grover Bortolotti said. “I know, kind of when I got here, my goal was to get on special teams. That’s how you make it as a walk-on. I didn’t get on special teams until my sophomore year, so he’s already doing better than I was doing.
“But what was the first game, Oregon maybe?”
“Yeah, Oregon,” Harrison replied.
“Oregon was first game we were both running down (on kickoff coverage),” Grover said, “and my parents were both there, and my mom was crying. It was awesome.”
Badger Observer spoke with the Bortolotti brothers Tuesday after Wisconsin’s practice. Watch and listen as they discuss the following topics:
Finally having the opportunity to play together after missing out on the chance in high school due to their ages not overlapping at in-state Whitefish Bay
How running backs coach Devon Spalding has taken them under his wing
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