Honoring Wisconsin Badgers Wrestling Legend: Andy Rein

Badger Notes is set to remember our legends in an 8-part summer series that will honor and highlight Wisconsin Badgers wrestling standouts from the past and showcase their accomplishments not only to the Badgers program – but also their contributions to the sport of wrestling.

Wisconsin Badgers Legend Andy Rein: 1977 – 1980

Andy Rein was native to the Madison area, hailing from Stoughton, and was a two-time Wisconsin state champion and won AAU Greco and Freestyle national titles.

During his time with the Wisconsin Badgers, the Stoughton product was a three-time All-American, two-time Big Ten Champion, and the 1980 NCAA Champion at 150LB behind his 40-0 record on the season.

Following his productive collegiate career, Rein went on to compete on the worlds stage. Capturing four National Freestyle championships, a gold medal at the Pan American Championships, and won a silver medal at the World Cup in 1982.

While being an alternate in 1980 for Team USA – the Wisconsin Badgers stud was on the 1984 Olympic team and won a silver medal!

Andy Rein did not stop there. After his illustrious wrestling career was over he came back to coach the Wisconsin Badgers wrestling team. Under his tutelage, Rein led the Badgers to six top-15 finishes at the NCAA Wrestling Championships. The Olympic silver medalist coached three Badgers to National Championships and developed 14 All-Americans.

Today, Andy Rein is still making waves. He is currently hiking the Appalachian Trail over 5-months that spans 2,197 miles and 14 states! Lets go!!

.@nwhof Distinguished Member and @BadgerWrestling alum Andy Rein is providing daily updates on his epic Appalachian Trail thru-hike, a 5-month trek of 2,197 miles across 14 states

Today's Update -> https://t.co/lPM8i09cob

DONATE -> https://t.co/v5Q96SQpEH@UWBadgers pic.twitter.com/lDJC8CFJuC

— NWHOF (@NWHOF) June 27, 2024

Andy Rein is a legend in all levels of wrestling and the Wisconsin Badgers program is better for his time spent here.

Wisconsin Badgers Legends Series

Part I – Lee Kemp

Part II – Bob Konovsky

Part III – Isaac Jordan

Part IV – Andrew Howe

Part V – John Guira

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