I took advantage of the warm weekend by driving to Madison, Wis., for collegiate softball, as the University of Wisconsin hosted Purdue University. A Big Ten matchup in any sport is a big deal.

Opened in 1999, the Goodman Sports Complex is located on Lake Mendota. The capacity is about 1,600, but several large grassy areas could allow that number to grow. Such was the case all weekend, starting with Friday night’s special Student Night.

Wisconsin lost the first game but won the next two to win the series and stay ahead of Purdue as the season nears its end. The Big Ten Tournament starts here May 10.

© JACK KEENAN

© JACK KEENAN

After the game I caught up with Wisconsin assistant coaches Kirsten Verdun and Danielle Zymkowitz and Purdue assistant coach Tatum Edwards — all played for the Chicago Bandits pro softball team. These three young coaches continually talk of growing the game and passing it down to the youngsters. They were tremendous role models with the Bandits, and they continue that now in the collegiate coaching ranks.

Growing the game is a constant theme in the softball community. Once the game ended, both teams met young fans for more than an hour. Everyone is on “Team Softball.” It is always special to see this type of interaction.

In addition to fun on the softball diamond, I have to mention the Eldorado Grill. We celebrated the wins by sharing delicious appetizers such as avocado street tacos, vegetable and goat cheese empanadas and scallop and watermelon ceviche. The food was light, unique and bursting with flavor. We’re definitely returning when we are back for the Big Ten Tournament.

This week I’ll be back in the stands at Northwestern, soaking in the final regular season games. Then I return to Wisconsin for the tournament. I can’t wait!

— John Wroblewski, online writer