Jack Doherty, stunt double for UW basketball coach Bo Ryan, has reportedly grown sick and tired of posing for pictures with Badger fans.
He originally enjoyed his position but has since felt it to be more of a burden than a boon, particularly the photo op aspect of the job.
“I really don’t mind all of the basketball-related stuff,” Doherty said. “I just can’t stand when people ask me for pictures everywhere I go. Especially when I’m off the clock.”
Doherty was hired in 2004 to handle some of the off-the-court duties for a tremendously busy and aging Ryan. He originally only shot commercials and signed autographs, but has seen his role expand to a 60-hour-per-week gig that includes tasks ranging from waking up the players for class to even conducting postgame press conferences.
“The worst part is, no one knows it’s actually me instead of Bo. Even the players don’t know,” Doherty confessed to Daily Cardinal reporters. “I’ve been working hard to mimic Bo’s appearance and precisely emulate his mannerisms for over a decade and I continually get no recognition for it.”
Doherty says the last three years have been the worst ones yet.
“I used to get only five to 10 photo requests per week,” he said. “But since the Badgers made consecutive Final Fours I get at least 20 on any given day.”
Shooting Down Cancer has been a particularly dreaded day on the calendar in recent years for Doherty.
“Keeping a smile on my face for the full three-hour event and shaking so many sick students’ hands is an absolute nightmare,” Doherty said. “In 2013, [UW athletic director] Barry Alvarez even asked me to pay Bo’s donation for him, but that’s where I drew the line.”
Doherty reported that he is eagerly awaiting Ryan’s impending retirement. “Just like Bo, I have a family of my own and I’d like to spend more time with them,” he said. “I would have quit a year ago but while Bo is still coaching the athletic department pays me quite handsomely and we can really use the money.”
Doherty even divulged into some of the more unusual requirements of the job.
“Taking Bo’s wife Kelly on dates is kind of a drag,” Doherty said. “But I actually like all of his grandchildren. They are really cute.”
