Brock Roder could easily have his name and picture alongside the definition of unsung hero for what he meant to the Madison College men’s basketball team during his two seasons. From a walk-on to a hall of famer, Brock left an inspiring mark with the WolfPack.
Brock enjoyed a successful athletic career at McFarland High School, competing in four different sports, earning all-conference accolades in three of them, and helping the Spartans to five conference championships in three sports. He found himself at Madison College, and via an open tryout, made the men’s basketball team as a walk-on. Under the direction of first year coach John Greene, Brock, who was immediately named a team captain, and the WolfPack enjoyed a successful season during his freshman campaign of 1999-2000. As a point guard, he led the team with 3.1 assists per game, while adding 11.0 points and 3.4 rebounds. Defensively, Brock chased down 86 steals, a number that still ranks second-best for a single-season in program history. The WolfPack went 18-3 and Brock was even named to the Coca Cola/Rocky Rococo All-Tournament Team.
As a sophomore, Brock continued his role as captain under new head coach Kelly Boe. The WolfPack registered a 21-8 record, including a 7-1 mark that won the program an outright WTCC title. His play early in the season earned him spots on the Coca Cola/Rocky Rococo All-Tournament and Joliet Thanksgiving All-Tournament teams. Brock led the team with 3.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game, to go along with a dozen points and 3.3 rebounds a night. His 82.2% shooting from the free throw line that season ranks as the tenth-best mark in school history. After the season, he earned the team’s Mr. Defense Award.
In two years at Madison College, Brock ranks second all-time in steals with 154 and 14th in career assists with 192.
“Brock was a consistent two-way player on the court,” said former Madison College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kelly Boe. “Offensively, he put up reliable numbers night-in-and-night-out. Defensively, was an important piece in our defensive game plans. A durable, mentally and physically tough athlete, his leadership qualities were unmatched as he was a true extension of the coaching staff on the court."
As a freshman, Brock earned WTCC Academic All-Conference for his work in the classroom. Brock capped his time at Madison College by also joining the men’s golf team for the 2000-01 season. He transferred to UW-Whitewater, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and even played a season on the Warhawks football team. These days, Brock works in outside sales for Legacy Exteriors and currently lives in his hometown of McFarland, with his wife, Nikki, and their five children. He enjoys coaching his kids, golfing, playing slow pitch softball, going to concerts, and watching his favorite sports teams.
When asked about his time at Madison College, Brock said,
“Madison College was the best thing for me coming out of high school. I wasn't ready for a big college and MATC provided me exactly what I needed. I didn’t know they had a basketball team, and I ran into a high school teammate on his way to tryouts. I was all for trying out, and the rest is history. It was a great experience and I'm so glad that I was able to do it. I met so many different people and so many memories of the van trips all over Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, and Minnesota. I can't thank the coaches enough for putting trust in me to lead the team and give me the experience I had. I was also so lucky to have my parent’s support. I didn't play a single game, no matter where we were, without at least a parent in the stands. Very fortunate and lucky to have that kind of support.”
