More than 600 high school FFA members from 25 Wisconsin schools gathered for a taste of life and sports at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Jan. 27.

The event, called the FFA Hockey Invitational, provided a way for high schoolers to find out more about the campus, its programs and its traditions. The students gathered at Agriculture Hall before heading off to the Kohl Center for the Badgers” hockey game against Minnesota State-Mankato.

“We started this four years ago as a fun way to introduce students to campus,” says Gary Lake, director of Agriscience Education and Outreach and advisor to the Collegiate FFA. “The first year, we had 70 students; now we can barely find a venue big enough before we head to the Kohl Center.”

Before heading to the Kohl Center, the students gathered at Agricultural Hall for pizza. Members of the UW Marching Band were on hand to introduce them to the legendary Wisconsin songs. They also learned the signals of the referees to better understand the game.

“For many of these middle and high school students, it is their first time at any type of college event,” says Nicole Schmidt, co-chair of the event.

Participating schools also brought food for the needy. Students who brought the most food had their pictures taken with Bucky Badger

Eliza Ulness, the other co-chair of the event, says the Hockey Invitational is a popular and much-anticipated event.

“The kids are so excited. They bring lots of cameras and take picture with the big cardboard cutout of former Wisconsin Heights FFA student and Badgers basketball star Mike Wilkinson,” she says.