Dan Gaenslen - HOF Class of 2025

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Dan Gaenslen began his time at UW-Madison in 2011 as a second-year student. During his first year of college, he played football for Winona State University before transferring to UW-Madison. Once on campus, he looked for an opportunity to continue playing contact sports… and he found rugby.

He quickly took to the sport and stayed at loosehead prop for the duration of his time with the club. During his senior year in 2014 UW-Madison competed against Ohio State for the Big Ten Rugby Union Championship. After a sound victory, Wisconsin brought home the gold. As Captain, Dan was instrumental in leading the team to this prestigious moment in club history. For his role he says, “it’s a lot of your own personal time, but it is very rewarding for what it meant to you.” Dan’s best college memories are directly attributed to his rugby experience.

Dan would follow the club on tour to Texas, twice and Ireland. The club would go undefeated while on these three tours. On the Texas tour, they played Oklahoma, TCU, and the Texas Longhorns, taking the win back to Madison during each of those matches. Again, in 2014, they played Texas A&M, the Texas Longhorns, and Arkansas. While in Ireland, they would play the Galweigens, a local club in Dublin, and another team. Each time winning against the local clubs.

For advice to the current players, Dan says “Enjoy every moment of your rugby experience, because they go fast”. He also stresses the importance of going on tour. It is an excellent experience traveling with your team and making lifelong memories, “Go on Tour”!!!

For life advice, he says “If you want to take risks and go after what you want, don’t be afraid to fail.”

Dan is currently serving his community as a Police Officer and SWAT Operator with the City of Brookfield Police Department and serving his country as a Captain in the Army Reserves. On behalf of the Alumni Association, I would like to extend a sincere thank you for your service and dedication to your community and country.

Dan would like to thank Skip Heffernan and Phil Callen for the opportunities and lessons they have provided. After UW, Dan worked for Skip at Culligan Water before joining the Army Reserves and attending Police Academy. He appreciates all that they have done for him. He extends a further thank you to his teammates saying, “it was an honor to be captain when we won the big ten championship, those memories are golden.”

Thank you, Dan, for taking the time to be this month’s highlighted alumni. Dan is being inducted into the Hall of Fame this August!