Pioneers Football Announces Team Award Winners

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team held its annual end of season banquet on Sunday, January 26. The Pioneers handed out individual awards, recognized those who received post-season honors, and thanked seniors for their contributions to the program.

Senior wide receiver Brandt Stare was voted by teammates as the Most Valuable Player following a season that saw him earn several postseason awards while setting multiple program records. The D3football.com All-American posted 786 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns in his final season and broke the UW-Platteville records for most career receptions (235), receiving yards (3077), and receiving touchdowns (41). Stare earned WIAC Offensive Player of the Year following the season, as well as All-Region honors.

Senior quarterback Michael Priami was named Offensive MVP after earning First Team All-WIAC and Second Team All-Region honors. Priami threw for 37 touchdown passes, matching the Pioneers single-season record, and finished with 2848 passing yards.

Junior linebacker Will Straka was voted Defensive MVP following a season that saw him record at team-high 80 tackles and share the team lead in tackles for loss with 11. The First Team All-WIAC selection added three sacks and broke up a pair of passes.

Sophomore punter Benjamin Younker was tabbed Special Teams MVP after earning D3football.com All-America honors. The First Team All-WIAC selection paced the conference in yards per punt (42.9) and placed 18 of his punts inside the opponents 20-yard line.

Freshman defensive back Donovan Nedelcoff earned Scholar Athlete of the Year, while senior tight end John Goomey picked up the George Chryst Award. Goomey earned All-Sportsmanship honors from the WIAC following the season as well.

Newcomer of the Year went to senior defensive back Andrey Denson, who finished with 25 tackles and one interception. Sophomore wide receiver Jaxson Garbisch was picked as Offensive Most Improved after posting 234 receiving yards and one touchdown. Sophomore defensive back Harrison Meyer collected Defensive Most Improved after earning Second Team All-WIAC honors and making 45 tackles and adding three interceptions.

The Battle of the Trenches awards went to senior offensive lineman Ryan Pearson and junior defensive lineman Riley Christensen. Pearson started all 11 games up front for the Pioneers, while Christensen totaled six sacks, 45 tackles, and 11 tackles for loss in his first year as a starter.

Freshman running back Jack Egan was chose as Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year, while freshman defensive lineman Sean Lynch was Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year. Freshman linebacker Carver Blietz-Bentien was tabbed Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year.