Pioneer football announces 2015 captains

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team has announced its captains for the 2015 season. The six players that were selected had to apply for the position with a detailed essay and then were selected by their peers to lead the Pioneers in 2015. The six captains are Russell Martin, Brett Jerdee, Tom Kelly, Andrew Robinson, Andrew Belken and Alex Johnson. 

Russell Martin, a senior wide receiver from Bartlett, Ill., was a 2014 1st team All-WIAC selection, with 884 receiving yards on 52 catches and 6 touchdowns. Martin is a building construction management major. 

Brett Jerdee is a junior left tackle from Mount Horeb, Wis. Jerdee started all 10 games last year, and was a critical piece to an offensive line that paved the way for Andy Puchini's school rushing yards record. Jerdee is also a building construction management major. 

Tom Kelly, a junior quarterback from Chicago, Ill., will take the reins of the offense in 2015 after seeing some time on the field last year. His brother, John, was an All-American for the Pioneers in 2013. Tom Kelly is a human health and performance major. 

Alex Johnson is a senior outside linebacker from Milan, Ill. He spent 2014 in opponent's backfields, recording 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss. Johnson is a building construction management major.  

Andrew Robinson is a senior defensive end from Arcadia, Wis. Robinson looks to build off of a strong 2014 campaign in which he received 1st team All-WIAC and All-Region. Robinson is a business administration major. 

Andrew Belken, a senior linebacker from East Dubuque, Ill., finished 2013 third on the team with tackles despite missing five games due to an injury. He also tallied 4.5 tackles for a loss, and an interception. Belken is civil engineering major.  

"These six players were selected by their peers to lead us in the 2015 season," said Head Coach Mike Emendorfer. "All six of these individuals embody what it means to be a Pioneer. They show up and work everyday both on and off the field, and they have the ability to inspire." 

The Pioneers kick off their 2015 season at home against Buena Vista University on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m.