Pioneers name athletes of the week, Goetz earns WIAC honors

Cross Country Male Athlete of the Week – Matt Wubben, Sr. (Marinette, WI/St. Thomas Aquinas) – Wubben earned all-region honors with his 11th place finish at the NCAA regional meet Nov. 12. The senior finished the eight kilometer course in a personal best 25:00, ranking him as one of the fastest cross country runners in Pioneer history. With his performance, Wubben also qualified for the NCAA National Championships.

Cross Country Female Athlete of the Week – Katie Wardinski, So. (West Allis, WI/Central) – Wardinski earned all-region honors with her 26th place finish. The sophomore ran a 39-second personal best for a final time of 22:34 for the six kilometer course. 

Football Defensive Athlete of the Week – Nick Kilanek Jr. (Villa Park, IL/Willowbrook) Nose Tackle – Kilanek had five tackles in the Pioneers’ 63-45 victory over UW-La Crosse on Nov. 12.  The junior also recorded a sack in the win which helped the Pioneers improve to 8-2 on the season and earn a NCAA at-large invite.

Football Offensive Athlete of the Week – Wyatt Thompson, So. (Mt. Horeb, WI) Running Back –Thompson set a UW-Platteville record for rushing yards in the Pioneers’ 63-45 victory over UW-La Crosse on Nov. 12.  Thompson ran for 316 yards on 30 carries, and scored 4 touchdowns.  The sophomore averaged 10.5 yards a carry and his longest run was 58 yards.  

Football Special Team Athlete of the Week – Sam Herkert, Fr. (Oshkosh, WI/North) Kicker – Herkert was a perfect nine-for-nine on point after touchdown attempts in the Pioneers’ victory over UW-La Crosse on Nov. 12.  The freshman kicker also recorded four touchbacks.  

Wrestling Athlete of the Week – Jon Goetz, So. (West Bend, WI) 174 Pounds – Goetz earned first place at 174 pounds in the Dan Gable Open hosted by UW-Oshkosh on Sept. 12.  The sophomore had wins of 3-0, a pin in 28 seconds, and an 8-0 victory in the championship bout to run his individual season record to 7-0.