Robinson, Belken earn All-West region honors

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Senior defensive lineman Andrew Robinson and senior linebacker Andrew Belken, members of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team, were named to the first team defense All-West region team for their efforts throughout the 2015 season. 

Robinson, an Arcadia, Wis. native, recorded 43 tackles, including 27 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, 53 sack yards, 22 tackles for a loss totaling 94 yards, three forced fumbles, three blocked punts and kicks and one fumble recovery this season, paving the way for the Pioneer defense. He also earned Defensive Player of the Year accolades for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference earlier this season and was named to the first team All-WIAC for the third time in his four-year career as a Pioneer. 

Belken led the Pioneers with the most tackles on the season with 88, including 47 solo tackles and an average of 8.8 tackles per game. The East Dubuque, Ill. native also recorded four sacks and ten tackles for a loss totaling 42 yards, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception. Belken was also named to the first team All-WIAC earlier this season. 

“Both of these players are incredibly well-deserving of this honor,” said head coach Mike Emendorfer. “We’re very proud of them, it’s such a great compliment to both of them and the Pioneer football program.” 

As a team, the Pioneers finished the season ranked at No. 14 in the nation, finishing 8-2 and beating two regionally ranked teams in Dubuque and North Central. During the last four years, UW-Platteville has recorded a 33-9 record.

To see the full All-West region team, check out http://d3football.com/awards/all-region/2015/d3football-all-west-region-2015.pdf. 

Written by: Carly Willman, University Information and Communications, 608.342.1194, willmanc@uwplatt.edu