A staple on the sidelines of Madison College Athletics for four decades, it's not uncommon to hear the phrases "Big Dog" and "Favorite" used in the same sentence. And on Monday night they found the perfect pairing.
Longtime WolfPack baseball manager Gary "Big Dog" Breneman was presented the Favorite Son Award by the Madison Dugout Club at its 35
th Annual Winter Baseball Banquet held at the Madison Marriott West Hotel in Middleton.
The Favorite Son Award is not an annual award and is reserved for the most deserving people in the local baseball community. It recognizes someone whom represents positive attitude and true love of the game through their actions and those of the team.
"The favorite son award is given each year or two years to an individual the Madison area is truly proud of," boasted Dugout Club President Tom Bennett. "Gary (Big Dog) is such an enthusiastic supporter of not only baseball, but Madison College and sports in general. We need more "Big Dogs" in the world."
"When you think of Madison College, you think of Big Dog," added Dugout Club member Chris Burwell. "His work with the Mallards only enhances his Favorite Son status."
A Madison College Hall of Fame inductee in 1991, Breneman has been manager of the school's baseball and basketball teams since coming to the school in 1975. He graduated in 1976 from the Food Service program, one that he continues to work in to this day.
During his time with the Madison College baseball program, Breneman has been a part of 33 conference championships, 16 region championships, 12 NJCAA World Series appearances, and three national championships.
"Big Dog has been a large part of the baseball program at Madison College. I have known him for about 12 years and I swear he never has a bad day," says 12
th-year WolfPack head coach
Mike Davenport. "Big Dog sees the good in every opportunity and in every person that he encounters. Our players and coaches are truly blessed to have Big Dog involved in our program."
"I am grateful and excited that Big Dog is being honored as this year's Dugout Club's Favorite Son Award recipient. The spirit of this award fits him perfectly."
Breneman's love of baseball has also led to his assisting the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League since 2005.
In the words of the man himself, "I have two types of days: good days and great days." And the same can be said for those in the Madison area baseball community due to his presence.
Congratulations Big Dog!
