“Big Dog,” needs help with his new house. Gary “Big Dog” Breneman, manager for the baseball team, has moved to a new apartment conveniently located right across the street from the Truax campus.
The move serves as a great convenience for Big Dog as it cuts down on his commute to work at the college. Breneman is a low income individual who will now have cheaper rent as his new place. He had lived at his former residence for 20 years. He says he’s happy with his new living arrangement.
“I like it very much, and it’s convenient to the college,” Breneman said. “It’s within walking distance. I live right across the street here.”
Big Dog, born in Dalton Wis., is a Madison College icon. Breneman has a natural way with people and often has his co-workers confide in him. His easygoing personality has gained the affection of many people on the Madison College Campus.
He graduated from the Madison College Food Service program in 1976. He is currently serving in his 37th season as manager of the Madison College baseball team. Breneman has also served as manager of the Madison College basketball team for the men and women all that time as well. Breneman was inducted into the Madison College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.
His start in the athletic programs started with just a simple question to H. Douglas Redsten, former athletic director.
“I just asked him I could help out. I asked Fred Williams, the baseball coach if I could help out and he said I could,” Breneman said.
Big Dog currently works at the Madison College Cafeteria on the Truax campus.
The problem with his new living situation is that Breneman still has a lease on his old place that runs through the end of June. He cannot afford to pay rent at both of the apartments. This is where he needs help.
The athletic department has set up Big Dog’s Moving Fund to help Big Dog pay for at least three months of rent on his new place to help offset the cost of also having to pay rent at his old residence until June.
To help Big Dog, students can visit http://bigdog.eventbrite.com and make a donation through the web page. Those interested may also access this page through madisoncollegeathletics.com. The site offers donation amounts of $25, $50, $100. For those that wish to make a donation in person can stop by the Athletic Office, Truax room 200.
“It feels great. I have a lot of good friends here,” Breneman said. “Everybody helps me out when I need it.”