Pioneers name athletes of the week, Kelly earns WIAC honors

Pioneers name athletes of the week, Kelly earns WIAC honors
November 7, 2016

Male Cross Country Athlete of the Week – Matt Smith, Sr. (Webb Lake, WI/Webster) – Smith finished his cross country career with a bang. For the first time in his career, Smith was the top collegiate finisher at a cross country meet. The Gender Equity Meet hosted by UW-Platteville didn't see any runners that will be competing at next week's Midwest Regional meet, but did include some of the best of the rest from top ranked UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse. The senior crossed the finish in 27:02.4, taking third place behind two standout UW-Platteville alumni. Smith’s efforts helped UW-Platteville finish two points ahead of UW-Eau Claire and 30 points ahead of UW-La Crosse. 

Football Defensive Athlete of the Week – Chandler Crary, Jr. (St. Charles, IL/Burlington Central) Linebacker – Crary had a stellar day in the Pioneers’ 56-0 shutout victory over UW-Eau Claire on Nov. 5.  The junior recorded four tackles, one sack and two and a half tackles for loss in the win. 

Football Offensive Athlete of the Week – Tom Kelly, Sr. (Chicago, IL/Guerin Prep) Quarterback – Kelly put up a huge performance in the Pioneers 56-0 victory over UW-Eau Claire on Nov. 5.  The senior completed 22-of-30 pass attempts, which was good for 410 yards and five touchdowns.

 

Football Special Team Athlete of the Week – Sam Herkert, Fr. (Oshkosh, WI/North) Kicker – Herkert was a perfect seven-for-seven on his PATs in the Pionerrs’ 56-0 route of UW-Eau Claire on Nov. 5.  The kicker also landed three of his kickoffs in the end zone, resulting in one touchback.  Six of the freshman’s nine kickoffs landed inside the Blugold five yard line, helping the Pioneers win the field position battle. 
 

Wrestling Athlete of the Week – Grant Wedepohl, So. (Reedsville, WI) 184 Pounds – Wedepohl repeated as champion of the UW-Platteville Super 8 Invitational on Nov. 5.  The sophomore went 3-0 on the day including a fall, a major decision (13-0), and a victory in the championship bout over 2016 NCAA qualifier AJ McBroom of Central College.