MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - On November 30, 1954, Alan Ameche won the Heisman Trophy award. He was the first University of Wisconsin football player to receive the honor.

Ameche grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin after his family moved to the United States from Italy in the 1930s.

He started playing football at Bradford High School, where he was an all-state fullback and helped the team become one of the best in Wisconsin.

Ameche would start his UW career in 1951, roaring onto the scene as a bruising ball carrier. His physical style of running earned him the nickname “The Horse.”

The fullback would help the Badgers get to their first bowl game, which was the Rose Bowl in 1953.

The following year, Ameche rushed for over 600 yards and nine touchdown enroute to winning the Heisman Trophy award.

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