2001 UW-Platteville Football Review
Dec. 18, 2001Abraham earns all-America honors
UW-Platteville senior punter capped his outstanding career by earning all-America honors from three different organizations.
Abraham, whose career 40.9 yards per punt average is the best in Pioneer history, earned second team honors from both D3Football.com and Football Gazette and third team honors on the Hewlett-Packard team.
The senior from Cedarburg was also selected to play in this spring's The National Allstars Bowl in the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis.
Abraham was a four-year starter and three-time all-conference punter for the Pioneers. He holds the top two single-season punting average records as well as the career mark.
Dec. 10, 2001
Abraham is all-region
UW-Platteville's punter Brad Abraham earned all-West Region honors by Football Gazette magazine.
The senior from Cedarburg holds the Pioneer record for career average at 40.85 per punt. He is a three-time all-region and all-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection. Abraham averaged 40.7 yards per kick this year, second-best in school history only to his 41.9 average last year. He has been nationally ranked in punting for the last three seasons.
Abraham's honor now puts him in consideration for all-America honors by Football Gazette. He is also up for all-America honors by several other publications and on-line services who will soon announce their post-season teams.
Dec. 2, 2001
Pioneers announce award winners
In a move that speaks volumes about both the team and the individual, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team selected senior reserve quarterback Aaron Mack as its Most Valuable Player.
Mack, honored for his leadership skills on a young team, received the award at the team's annual banquet Sunday afternoon.
The player Mack helped tutor, first-team all-conference quarterback Tom Stetzer, earned the Pioneers' Offensive Player of the Year Award, while three-time all-league pick Tony Lewis was the Defensive Player of the Year.
All-America punter Brad Abraham was the Special Teams Player of the Year, while linebacker Mitch Repka earned the George Chryst Award.
Brandon Foldes was the Rookie of the Year, while the Scout Team Players of the Year where Dennis Spencer on offense and Terence Normoyle on defense.
The Pioneers were 4-6 during a year filled with highlights, including a 36-29 Homecoming victory over UW-La Crosse, a 27-26 win at UW-Whitewater, and record-setting games in beating Mount Senario 64-0 and UW-Oshkosh 47-28.
Mack, a senior from Madison (East High School), guided a young team that featured just three senior starters. He played in five contests, starting one, and completed 30 of 47 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns.
Stetzer, a sophomore from Black River Falls, threw for a school-record 3,130 yards, helping the Pioneers to have the most passing yards in all of NCAA Division III. He broke almost every school passing and total offense record as well as four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference records. He is the first Pioneer QB to earn first team all-WIAC honors since Eric Wixom in 1991 and a strong candidate for all-region and all-America awards.
Lewis, a senior from Brodhead, made the successful switch from linebacker--where he was a two-time all-WIAC pick--to safety, enabling him to make big plays. A four-year starter, Lewis finished in the top three in tackles for the third straight year with 42 solo and 25 assists. He also had a sack and broke up three passes.
Abraham, a senior from Cedarburg, averaged a Pioneer-record 40.85 yards per punt over his standout career. A first-team all-WIAC selection, Abraham averaged 40.7 yards per kick this year, second-best in school history only to his 41.9 average last year.
Repka, a sophomore from Holcombe (Lake Holcombe High School), earned the George Chryst Award, named after the Pioneers' late coach, who guided the team from 1979 until his sudden death in December, 1992. Repka earned the award, given for play, leadership and sportsmanship, led the team in tackles with 89, including 15 for losses and four sacks.
Foldes, a freshman from Norwalk, Iowa, was the Rookie of the Year. He broke into the receiving rotation and caught five passes for 82 yards and one touchdown.
The Scout Team prepares the starters during practice by simulating that week's opponents on offense and defense. The coaching staff honored Spencer, from Beloit Turner High School and Normoyle, from St. Charles, Ill. (Burlington Central High School) for their hard work.
Nov. 26, 2001
Pioneers mourn death of player
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville community was saddened by Friday's passing of Chris Jones, a student-athlete who was killed in a car accident near his home in Chicago Heights, Ill.
Jones was a red-shirt freshman on this year's Pioneer football team. He graduated from Thornwood High School in 2000 and spent one semester at South Suburban Community College in South Holland, Ill. before transferring to UW-Platteville for the spring 2001 semester.
Jones played wide receiver at UWP and wore the number 81. As a red-shirt, he was allowed to practice with the team but not play in games. He would then have his full eligibility remaining. He had a promising career ahead, Coach Mike Emendorfer said.
"Chris was very well-liked by his teammates," Emendorfer said. "He had a great passion for the game and worked hard at it. He was quiet but very respectful. He just came out every day and really enjoyed what he was doing. Chris will be greatly missed by myself and the entire Pioneer program."
Funeral arrangements are pending in Jones's hometown.
Nov. 14, 2001
9 Pioneers earn all-WIAC honors
UW-Platteville's record-breaking trio of Tom Stetzer, Matt Kent and Brad Abraham earned first team all-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football honors.
In addition, Tony Lewis and Jason Leonard were second-team selections, while Greg Siebers, Andy Paulsen, Dave McGraw and Mitch Repka earned honorable mention status.
This is the first time since 1995 (when Troy Bonlander, Dan Fox and current UWP assistant coach Joel Dettwiler accomplished the feat) that three Pioneer players earned first team honors.
UW-Platteville finished 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the WIAC for third-year coach Mike Emendorfer. Nineteen starters from the last regular season game on Nov. 10 will return for next year.
Quarterback Tom Stetzer, a sophomore from Black River Falls, broke the WIAC game records for completions (41 vs. both UW-La Crosse and UW-Eau Claire), attempts (71 vs. UW-Stout) and total offense (534 yards vs. UW-Oshkosh). He also topped the WIAC season record for completions with 237 in the seven league games.
Stetzer already holds almost all of UW-Platteville's game and season records. He completed 292 of 493 (59 percent) of his passes for 3,130 yards. He is ranked number three in the NCAA III in total offense. Behind Stetzer, the Pioneers led the entire NCAA III in passing offense at 358.8 yards per game.
One of Stetzer's deep threats was receiver Matt Kent, a sophomore from Gratiot, Wis. (Black Hawk High School). He broke a Pioneer record with 996 receiving yards on 55 catches. Kent twice topped the 200-yard mark in games and finished with eight touchdowns. He helped the Pioneers lead the conference in total offense with 408.5 yards per game. He led the league in receiving yards and in all-purpose yards with 1,166.
Brad Abraham (Sr., Cedarburg) led the WIAC in punting with 40.7 yards per kick on 43 attempts. He was an honorable mention selection last season and a first team honoree in 1998. A preseason all-American by every publication or on-line site, Abraham finished his standout career by averaging 40.85 yards per punt, best in Pioneer history.
Tony Lewis (Sr., Brodhead) won his third straight all-WIAC award. He finished his standout career with 291 tackles, including 67 this year. His 42 solo tackles this season were second on the team.
Jason Leonard (So., Hollandale, Wis./Pecatonica) caught 79 passes for 711 yards and three touchdowns. He ranked second in the WIAC in catches and fourth in yards gained. His receiving totals are the second highest in school history.
Both Leonard and Greg Siebers (So., Appleton, Wis./Kimberly) tied the single-game high in all of NCAA III with 17 catches in a contest. Siebers' 17 grabs against UW-La Crosse also tied the all-time NCAA III national record for most catches by a running back. He finished the season with a school-record 85 catches.
Andy Paulsen (Jr., Blue River, Wis./Riverdale) helped make that passing game go. Paulsen was part of an offensive line that allowed just 23 sacks in 567 passing plays, a ratio of one sack for every 24.7 passing plays.
Linebackers Dave McGraw (Jr., Oshkosh/West) and Mitch Repka (So., Holcombe, Wis./Lake Holcombe) were part of an improved defense that dropped its yards per game average by 77 yards and it scoring average by 5.2 points per game from 2000. McGraw made 48 tackles and one interception to earn his second straight all-WIAC honor. Repka was the Pioneers' top tackler with 89, and his 15 tackles for losses ranked fourth in the conference.
The complete team can be found at the WIAC website. (http://www.uwsa.edu/wiac/)
Nov. 10, 2001
Pioneers fall to Falcons
Host UW-River Falls defeated UW-Platteville 38-13 in the 2001 football season finale Saturday.
The Falcons' wishbone offense helped the hosts run up a 24-0 second-quarter lead, and a 44-yard interception return by Matt Palas with 15 seconds left in the quarter provided a 31-0 halftime advantage.
The Pioneers got on the board in the third quarter on a six-yard run by Greg Siebers. Matt Kent caught a 35-yard TD pass from Aaron Mack in the fourth quarter for the final score.
UW-Platteville finishes 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Pioneers finished in a fifth-place tie behind co-champions UW-Stevens Point and UW-Eau Claire (the Pointers beat the Blugolds 30-27 in double overtime Saturday), who were 5-2, and UW-River Falls and UW-Stout, 4-3.
The Falcons gained 255 of their 401 rushing yards in the first half. Quarterback Dustin Vogelgesang led the way with 126 yards on the afternoon and a 56-yard TD run, while Taylor Hall had 13 carries for 119 yards and three scores.
The Pioneers actually out-gained the Falcons, 427 yards to 400. Quarterback Tom Stetzer completed 20 of 40 passes for 222 yards, while Aaron Mack hit on 10 of 21 passes for 158 yards. Jason Leonard caught 8 passes, while Kent had 7 for 125 yards, finishing just four yards shy of 1,000 for the year. Reggie Davis and Siebers also caught 7 passes apiece. Siebers finished the year with 85 catches to edge out Leonard's 79 for the team lead and new school record.
Stetzer finished the year with 292 completions in 493 attempts for 3,130 yards, all school records.
Dave McGraw led Saturday's defensive charge with 10 tackles, while Tony Lewis and Scott Power each had 9.
The Pioneers will lose just nine seniors from this year's squad. Brad Abraham, Dennis Banks, Phil Brietchaft, Carl Bunch, Brad Gillman, Lewis, Mack, Ryan McGranahan and Jonas Wik helped play a large role in the Pioneers' resurgence. UWP was picked for last place in the conference, but remained in the league race until November.
Nineteen of Saturday's 22 starters will return for third-year coach Mike Emendorfer next year, as the Pioneers are already anticipating building off the strong 2001 campaign.
Game BoxscoreNov. 3, 2001
Pointers win battle for 2nd
UW-Stevens Point turned back UW-Platteville 28-14 in a battle for second place in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Saturday at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.
The Pointers improved to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in the WIAC, one game behind conference leader UW-Eau Claire. UW-Stevens Point and UW-Eau Claire meet in a winner-take-all game next Saturday in Stevens Point. The Pioneers fell to 4-5, 3-3.
Saturday's game matched the top two WIAC offenses, as the Pioneers were averaging 426 yards and the Pointers 412 yards per game. Defenses, however, were the story of the afternoon.
On their first two drives, the Pointers gained 102 yards and led 14-0 after two three-yard touchdown runs by Lance Gast. The Pioneers, however, held them to 244 yards the rest of the day, and 90 of those came on one play.
The Pioneers erased that 14-0 deficit in the second quarter. Matt Kent scored on a 10-yard bullet pass from Tom Stetzer. The Pointers blocked the extra point, leaving the score 14-6. Three plays later, blitzing defensive back Dennis Banks sacked quarterback Scott Krause, causing a fumble that Mitch Repka recovered on the UWSP 23. John Adler banged in from the one on the seventh play of the Pioneer drive, and Reggie Davis caught the two-point conversion pass from Stetzer, knotting the score.
The tie did not last long, as 1:06 later, Krause just beat a Pioneer blitz and hit Ross Adamczak over the middle, and he turned the play into a 90-yard touchdown catch and run.
The Pointers staved off two Pioneer drives with interceptions in the end zone. Matt Stoehr made on pick in the second quarter, and Jonah Roth had one in the third. Krause scored the only second-half points on a one-yard plunge in the third quarter.
UW-Stevens Point outgained UW-Platteville 326-243, a far cry from Sept. 22, when the Pointers rolled up a school-record 670 yards in a 51-13 non-conference win.
Repka led the Pioneer defensive charge with 22 tackles, including four for losses and had the fumble recovery. Banks added 12 tackles and two sacks, while Brian Huiting and Scott Power each had seven tackles. Jesse Nelson picked off two Pointer passes and broke up two more.
Offensively, Stetzer completed 26 of 44 passes but was intercepted four times. Greg Siebers caught 11 balls for 74 yards, while Reggie Davis had 8 for 66 yards.
Jason VanderVelden led Point's running attack with 68 yards, while both Gast and Kurt Kielblock picked up 57. Defensive end Paul Schmitt had eight tackles, including two big quarterback sacks.
The Pioneers conclude their season at UW-River Falls next Saturday at 1 p.m.
Game BoxscoreOct. 31, 2001
Pioneers earn national, WIAC honors
For the second time this season, UW-Platteville quarterback Tom Stetzer earned the national offensive player of the week award by Football Gazette.
Stetzer and teammate Phil Brietchaft earned the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference players of the week as well.
Stetzer, a sophomore from Black River Falls, broke the WIAC record for total offense, accumulating 534 yards in a 47-24 victory over UW-Oshkosh. The previous mark of 494 was set by UW-La Crosse's Jason Gonnion against UW-Eau Claire in 1993. Stetzer's total included a school-record 496 passing yards, as he was 31-53 (58 percent) with five touchdowns and just two interceptions, one which was a Hail Mary on the last play of the first half.
Brietchaft, a senior running back from Racine (St. Catherine's High School) returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown during the Pioneers' win over Oshkosh. His score came after the Titans had taken what turned out to be their only lead of the game, 7-0, in the first quarter. It was the second-longest kick return in Pioneer history. Brietchaft also had a 24-yard return in the second quarter.
Stetzer is now the leader in NCAA Division III in total offense at 350.3 yards per game. He has three of the top 23 games in the country in total offense, two of the top 14 in passing yards and four of the top 20 in completions. He quarterbacks the nation's top passing offense, which is averaging 374 yards per game.
In addition, receiver Jason Leonard and running back Greg Siebers are third and fifth, respectively, in NCAA III receptions with 69 and 67. The Pioneers' Matt Kent is tied for 29th in receiving yards per game at 105.5 yards. Leonard and Siebers have the most receptions in a single-game as both have caught 17 in different contests this season. Siebers tied the national record for most catches by a running back with his 17 receptions vs. UW-La Crosse.
All-America punter Brad Abraham is having another standout season, ranking third in NCAA III in average with 41.7 yards per punt.
The Pioneers play host to UW-Stevens Point Saturday at 2 p.m. in a game between two teams tied for second place in the WIAC. For a special promotion, all hot dogs will be priced to match whatever the temperature is at kickoff time.
Oct. 27, 2001
Pioneers pass test vs. Titans
UW-Platteville, behind yet another WIAC record-breaking performance by Tom Stetzer, beat UW-Oshkosh 47-24 Saturday afternoon.
Stetzer gained 534 yards of total offense, including a school-record 496 passing yards, and threw five touchdowns. He broke a 1993 WIAC record of 494 yards, set by UW-La Crosse's Jason Gonnion vs. UW-Eau Claire.
While Stetzer's numbers are impressive, Saturday's win, however, was a total team effort. Consider:
OffenseMatt Kent was on the receiving end of three scores and caught 8 passes for 217 yards, one yard shy of the school record; Greg Siebers caught 12 passes for 91 yards and rushed for 47 yards; Jason Leonard caught 5 passes for 54 yards; Dan Muller (66 yards) and Reggie Davis (26 yards) each caught bombs for scores; and defensive lineman/short yardage back John Adler scored his team-high seventh touchdown.
DefenseThe Pioneers held the Titans to 0 yards on 12 plays in the third quarter, enabling the Pioneers to extend a 21-17 halftime lead to 34-17. Mitch Repka led the way with 11 tackles and two forced fumbles, while Dennis Banks had nine tackles and interception; and Drew Holman and Don Anderson each recorded a QB sack.
Special TeamsPhil Brietchaft returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7, and allowing the only UW-Oshkosh lead of the game to stand for 18 seconds; All-America punter Brad Abraham averaged 41.3 yards per punt with a long of 53 yards; and the coverage teams did not allow a kick return longer than 26 yards.
The most impressive numbers, however, are 4-4 and 3-2. Those are the Pioneers' records overall and in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Pioneers remained tied for second-place in the league with UW-La Crosse and next week's opponent, UW-Stevens Point. Kickoff at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium is 2 p.m.
Game Notes*The Titans, who fell to 3-4, 2-3, were led by Matt Kimler's 75 yards rushing and Alan Beversdorf's 228 yards passing, of which 134 went to Shannon King on eight catches.
*The Pioneers surpassed at least four season records Saturday, including passing yards, 2,698 by Stetzer and total offense, 2,802 by Stetzer; receptions, 69 by Leonard; and receiving yards, 844 by Kent.
Game BoxscoreOct. 20, 2001
Pioneers fall to #17 UW-Eau Claire, 23-14
Six turnovers and the 17th-ranked team in the country were too much for UW-Platteville to overcome, as host UW-Eau Claire posted a 23-14 football victory Saturday before 4,200 in Eau Claire's Carson Park.
The Pioneers lost five interceptions, and a costly fumble at the Blugold one late in the first half of a 14-7 game.
The Blugolds' first score came after an interception on the UWP 9. Darrell Souhrada scored from 3 yards out for a 6-0 lead. The Pioneers answered back with a 16-play, 78-yard drive, capped by Tom Stetzer's 20-yard TD pass to Matt Kent on fourth down. After Souhrada scored his second TD, the Pioneers drove to the one, but John Adler fumbled trying to score on second effort by stretching the ball over the goal line.
The 'Golds extended their lead to 20-7 in the third quarter, but again the Pioneers answered with an 80-yard drive, with Stetzer hitting Davis on a 9-yard scoring strike.
The Blugolds scored a 22-yard field goal for the fourth quarter's only points.
The Pioneers out-gained the Blugolds 390-372, with Stetzer tying his own school and WIAC record for completions. He was 41 of 68 for 344 yards but with the five interceptions. Jason Leonard caught 11 passes for 73 yards, Greg Siebers 9 for 46, Davis 8-70 and Kent 6-88. Mitch Repka led the Pioneer defense with 11 tackles, and Brian Huiting had a nine-yard quarterback sack. Souhrada led the Blugolds with 162 rushing yards on 36 carries while quarterback Brian Rasumssen was 11-24 for 213 yards.
The Blugolds took sole possession of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference race with a 3-1 record. They are 6-1 overall. The Pioneers fell to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the WIAC. UWP is involved in a six-way tie for second place with everyone but first-place UW-Eau Claire and 1-3 UW-Whitewater.
The Pioneers play host to UW-Oshkosh Saturday at 1 p.m. The Titans are coming off a 38-31 win over UW-Stevens Point.
Game BoxscoreOct. 13, 2001
Pioneers beat 23rd-ranked UWW, 27-26
Probably the happiest person in UW-Platteville's athletic department is Dana Gempler, the long-time program assistant.
Gempler served as beloved former Pioneer Coach and Athletic Director George Chryst's secretary, and has seen UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater play eight previous games named in the late coach's memory. Every year, she has seen the Warhawks pound the Pioneers by an average score of 38-15.
Many times when third-year coach Mike Emendorfer asks Gempler for something around the office, Gempler teases the coach, "I'll do it, as long as you beat Whitewater."
Emendorfer's Pioneers fulfilled the wishes of Gempler and all those who knew Coach Chryst Saturday when they knocked off the 23rd-ranked Warhawks 27-26 in Whitewater.
Besides winning the George Chryst Memorial Bowl, the Pioneers thrust themselves into a first-place tie in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with a 2-1 league mark while evening their overall record at 3-3. The Pioneers are now tied with next week's opponent, UW-Eau Claire, as well as UW-River Falls and UW-Stevens Point. The Warhawks fell to 1-2 in the league and 4-2 overall.
After the UWW 80-yard touchdown, from Reggie Strauss to Steve Tenhagen, the Pioneers answered back with a 79-yard drive, capped by John Adler's three-yard run. Tom Stetzer, who completed 30 of 46 passes on the day, hit Reggie Davis on a three-yard score and Brandon Foldes for a 34-yard TD pass in the second half for a 20-20 tie.
The Warhawks took the lead in the third quarter on a 39-yard Chad Wurth run. The extra point was missed however. The Pioneers reached the Warhawk 8 on their next drive, but lost the ball on downs. Shawn Busch got the ball right back for UWP, recovering a fumble on the Warhawks' 42. A 30-yard pass from Stetzer to Dan Holz brought the ball to the 12, and after a fourth-down interference play gave the Pioneers the ball on the 2, Adler banged in for his second score. Snapper Jason Henneberry, holder Aaron Mack and kicker Jason Borchardt combined for the eventual game-winning PAT.
UW-Whitewater had one more shot, but a 44-yard field goal attempt was kicked into the line and blocked. The Pioneers, thanks to a 13-yard Stetzer run, and two Whitewater defensive penalties, was able to run out the final 4:16 and bring the Chryst trophy home.
George Chryst was the Pioneers' head coach for 14 seasons until his untimely death on Dec. 3, 1992. He guided the Pioneers to winning records in nine of those seasons, including UW-Platteville's last league title in 1980.
Stetzer earned the media's offensive player of the game award, while Busch was the defensive player. Tenhagen and Peter Kaz earned UW-Whitewater's honors.
Game BoxscoreOct. 10, 2001
Stetzer, Siebers earn national honors
Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville football players earned national recognition following their performances in Saturday's 36-29 victory over UW-la Crosse.
Quarterback Tom Stetzer earned the Division III Offensive Player of the Week award by Football Gazette. In addition, he and running back Greg Siebers were selected for the D3Football.com Team of the Week.
A sophomore from Black River Falls, Stetzer broke the WIAC single-game completion record by hitting on 41 of 63 passes for 428 yards. His 41 completions topped the old mark of 40, set by Stevens Point's Dave Geissler against Eau Claire in 1983. He was honored as the WIAC's Player of the Week Tuesday.
Siebers, a sophomore from Kimberly High School, tied a Pioneer record with 17 receptions. He also notched his first 100-yard rushing day, carrying the ball 15 times for 106 yards.
Oct. 6, 2001
Pioneers beat La Crosse, 36-29
UW-Platteville beat UW-La Crosse 36-29 in a stirring Homecoming game played before more than 3,000 sun-drenched Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium fans Saturday.
Quarterback Tom Stetzer continued his amazing season of rewriting record books by breaking the school's and conference's marks for completions. Stetzer completed 41 of 63 passes for 428 yards. He broke the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference single-game completion mark of 40, set by UW-Stevens Point's Dave Geissler against UW-Eau Claire in 1983.
Stetzer completed 17 passes to Greg Siebers, who tied Jason Leonard's two-week-old school record for receptions. Matt Kent also totalled 206 receiving yards--second-best in Pioneer history--on 12 catches.
Ironically, it was a pass by a wide receiver that jump-started the Pioneer offense. Dan Mueller took a lateral pass and fired it 43 yards to Leonard down the right sideline and the Eagles' 2. John Adler scored to tie the score at 7-7. Adler added another short touchdown early in the second quarter, and Stetzer ran in from five yards out for a 19-7 Pioneer lead. A Brad Abraham 32-yard field goal gave the Pioneers a 22-14 halftime lead.
UW-La Crosse tied the score on their first drive of the second half on a Josh Boraas 19-yard pass to Matt Rizzo and the two-point conversion to Chester Janke.
The Eagles threatened to take the lead in the third quarter, but Justin Dalhberg intercepted a pass at the one and took it 99 yards for an apparent score. A clipping penalty negated the score, and the Pioneers started the drive on their own 7. Nine plays and 93 yards later, Adler banged in for a yard out for a 29-22 lead.
UW-La Crosse tied the game once again on a Boraas 27-yard pass to Jeremy Korth, but Stetzer answered with a 54-yard bomb to Kent for a score at the 6:05 mark.
The Pioneers appeared to have the game salted away in the fourth quarter, when Stetzer hit Leonard for a 33-yard gain down to the Eagles' 19. After the chains were moved and the teams getting ready to huddle, the back judge called an illegal formation penalty. While the officials huddled for several minutes (and an animated UWP Coach Mike Emendorfer showing he fully recovered from his broken leg), the officials moved the ball back to the Pioneer 43. Two plays later, the snap sailed over punter Abraham's head for a 33-yard loss to the Pioneer 20 with 47 seconds remaining. The Eagles took four shots in the end zone, but the Pioneer defense held on for the win, as Brian Huiting sacked Boraas on fourth down.
UW-Platteville improved to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the wacky WIAC, where only UW-River Falls is 2-0, six teams are 1-1 and UW-La Crosse is 0-2.
The Pioneers totalled 568 yards of offense, compared to the Eagles' 358. Siebers added 106 rushing yards for his first career 100-yard day and the first in Coach Mike Emendorfer's three years at UWP. Mitch Repka led the defense with 7 tackles. Dahlberg had 2 interceptions, while Dave McGraw and Don Anderson each had one. Andy Hulst had three tackles for losses.
Game BoxscoreOct. 2, 2001
Stetzer breaks record; Leonard, Abraham ranked
UW-Platteville quarterback Tom Stetzer broke a 26-year-old Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record when he attempted 71 passes vs. UW-Stout Saturday.
Stetzer completed 39 passes (one shy of the WIAC record) for 444 yards. He broke his own school records for completions and attempts, set the previous game. Stetzer topped the previous WIAC record of 70 attempts, set by UW-Stevens Point's Reed Giordana. He leads the WIAC in passing yards and total offense. Stetzer ranks 20th in the nation in total offense at 279.8 yards per game.
Two other Pioneers lead the league in individual football categories and are ranked in the top 10 in the NCAA III statistics. Jason Leonard is seventh nationally in pass receptions with 38 in four games, while Brad Abraham is ninth in punting at 40.8 yards per kick.
Sept. 29, 2001
Stout's fourth quarter stuns UWP
UW-Stout intercepted four UW-Platteville passes in the fourth quarter and turned a 14-7 Pioneer lead into a 28-14 Blue Devil victory Saturday in Menomonie.
The Blue Devils, ranked eighth in NCAA III, improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Pioneers fell to 1-3, 0-1 after the contest, the first one played at UW-Stout's brand new stadium.
UW-Platteville led 14-7 at the end of the third quarter. Tom Stetzer threw first-half TD passes to Matt Kent (31 yards) and Reggie Davis (11 yards). Stetzer broke his own school records, set just last week, for completions and attempts. He was 39 of 71 passing for 446 yards. His yardage total was surpassed only by his own 483-yard effort against UW-Stout last year. Greg Siebers caught 11 passes for 126 yards, while Jason Leonard grabbed 10 for 78 and Dan Mueller 7 for 81. Mitch Repka led the defensive effort with 7 tackles, including 3 quarterback sacks.
The Blue Devils' Julio Vargas and Luke Bundgaard each scored two touchdowns. Kevin Dewey intercepted a pair of passes, including one in the end zone in the first half with UWP leading 7-0 and threatening to go up 14-0.
The Pioneers play host to UW-La Crosse in the annual Homecoming game Saturday at 2 p.m.
Game BoxscoreSept. 25, 2001
Leonard earns WIAC honors
Jason Leonard earned Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week honors.
Leonard, a sophomore wide receiver from Hollandale (Pecatonica High School), caught 17 passes against Stevens Point, surpassing the school record of 15 by Russ Jacques. Leonard, whose 187 yards were the third most in Pioneer history, caught a 33-yard touchdown pass in the fourthquarter.
Sept. 22, 2001
Records, Pioneers fall
Both UW-Platteville and UW-Stevens Point broke school records Saturday night, but the Pointers came away with the most important statistic, a 51-13 victory at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.
Pioneer receiver Jason Leonard caught 17 passes, surpassing the 15 Russ Jacques caught against the Pointers in 1995. Leonard, whose 187 yards were the third most in Pioneer history, caught a 33-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Tom Stetzer was 33-69 passing for 364 yards and two scores. He smashed his own record (63) for attempts and topped Chris Charnish's mark of 31 completions.
Stetzer threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Davis with four seconds remaining in the first half, cutting the Pointer deficit to 21-6.
The Pointers broke the game open in the third quarter with Kurt Kielblock touchdown runs of 75 and 26 yards. He scored three touchdowns on the day, as did Lance Gast. Gast scored on the first play of the second quarter for a 14-0 UWSP lead and twice in the final 1:49 after the game was well put away. Gast went 51 yards with six seconds left for the final 51-13 margin and to help the Pointers break their own school record with 670 total yards. Kielblock finished with 184 yards rushing, and quarterback Scott Krause throw for 265.
The Pointers improved to 2-0, and the Pioneers fell to 1-2 in the non-conference game. The two teams meet again in WIAC play Nov. 3 back at Pioneer Stadium.
Game BoxscoreSept. 15, 2001
Big plays elude Pioneers
- By Paul EricksonUWP Sports Information Director
Rock Island, Ill.--The first two series in the Augustana's 23-0 victory over UW-Platteville demonstrated the fine line between winning and losing Saturday.
On Augustana's first possession, the Vikings fumbled on the Pioneers' one. Although the Pioneers recovered the ball, the officials huddle for several minutes before ruling the Vikings' quarterback was down before the ball was lost. Two plays later , Augustana's Michael Clark kicked a 34-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
The Pioneers came right back down the field, reaching the 50. Tom Stetzer then threw a bomb to Reggie Davis, who made an acrobatic catch and an even better run to weave down to the one. Unfortunately, Davis lost the ball while stretching for the end zone, and after a scramble, the Vikings recovered in the end zone for the touchback.
That seemed to be the way the afternoon went for the Pioneers, who also missed a field goal on their next possession.
"As always, football games come down to four or five plays, and we didn't make the big ones," Pioneer Coach Mike Emendorfer said. "At the same time, you have to give Augustana credit becaue that's a heck of a football team."
The Vikings, ranked 19th in NCAA Division III, improved to 2-0 with the victory, while the Pioneers fell to 1-1.
Augustana, who had gained a school-record 628 yards the previous week, gained 392 yards while holding the ball 41 minutes.
The Vikings extended their lead to 10-0 after an 80-yard drive in the second quarter, and tacked on a field goal with 1:26 left in the second quarter. Augustana added a third-quarter field goal and a touchdown with 2:21 remaining. Typical of the afternoon, the Pioneers' final drive stalled at the one.
Augustana rushed for 333 yards, with 221 coming in the first half and 112 in the second. The Vikings converted 9 of 20 first downs, and all four of their fourth-down attempts.
The Pioneer QB combo of Tom Stetzer and Aaron Mack combined to hit on 21 of 36 passes for 272 yards. Jason Leonard caught 9 passes for 68 yards, and Davis added 4 for 93.
Tony Lewis and Scott Power each made 15 tackles, and Bret Wojcik added 10. Jeff Christensen and Shawn Busch were each credited with two tackles for losses.
Before the game, the players knelt at midfield for a moment of silence and then stayed together for the national anthem.
The Pioneers return to Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium Saturday at 7 p.m. game against UW-Stevens Point. Even though the two schools are both members of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Saturday's game is non-conference. The Pointers will return to Platteville Nov. 3 for their WIAC contest. This marks the first time UW-Platteville will play the same school twice in one season.
Game BoxscoreSept. 8, 2001
Pioneers' opener a breeze
UW-Platteville opened the 2001 football campaign with a 64-0 trouncing of Mount Senario Saturday night at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.
The Pioneers scored early and often while recording the second largest victory in school history. (In 1971, UWP beat UW-Stout 67-2.)
After holding Mount Senario to a three and out on its first possession, Justin Dahlberg blocked the punt attempt, and Ryan McGranahan scooped up the ball and ran in for a touchdown just 2:04 into the contest.
The next punt attempt didn't fare any better for the Saints, who fumbled the snap on their own eight. Aaron Mack hit a wide-open Greg Siebers in the end zone on the Pioneers' first offensive play, and after four minutes of play, the Pioneers had a two-touchdown lead.
UWP continued to roll from there. The senior Mack hit Dan Mueller from 50 yards out and Reggie Davis from 17 for first-quarter scores, making the count 26-0 after one period.
Sophomore quarterback Tom Stetzer connected twice with Jason Leonard for second-quarter touchdowns. Leonard, who missed all of last year with a broken ankle, went 17 and 37 yards for scores.
Adam Lewis, who earlier set up the touchdown pass to Davis with an interception, took his next pick to the house, going 46 yards in the third quarter.
Joe Kettula (43 yards) and John Adler (2 yards) added rushing touchdowns, and reserve kicker Adam Borchardt nailed a 30-yard field goal to close out the 64-0 rout.
The Pioneers outgained the outmanned Saints 405-116 while forcing five turnovers. Besides Adam Lewis's two picks, Drew Holman had a 38-yard interception return, and Kevin Gratke an eight-yarder. Jeff Koepl recovered a fumble.
The QB combo of Mack and Stetzer had an outstanding opening night. Mack completed 6 of 11 for 134 yards and three TDs, while Stetzer hit on 8 of 13 for 133 yards and two touchowns. Eight different receivers caught passes, and 10 players carried the ball.
All-America punter Brad Abraham averaged 44.7 yards per punt.
Game BoxscoreJuly 10, 2001
Abraham honored again
UW-Platteville football player Brad Abraham was named to his second preseason all-America team when The Sporting News honored him in its college football preview issue.
Abraham, a senior punter, had previously been selected by Preview Sports's College Football 2001 magazine.
June 6, 2001
Abraham is all-America pick
UW-Platteville's Brad Abraham is the NCAA Division III preseason all-America punter, according to Preview Sports's College Football 2001 magazine.
The magazine chose Abraham, a senior from Cedarburg, after he ranked second in the nation last year with a 41.9 yards-per-punt average. Abraham's average was the highest in UW-Platteville history.
He was one of four Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference athletes chosen to the team, which consisted of 11 offensive, 11 defensive and two special teams players. UW-Eau Claire's Bob Schmidt and UW-Whitewater's Jeff Kraus are listed as All-America offensive linemen, and UW-La Crosse's Brian Portilia as a defensive back. Defending league champion UW-Stout, whom the Pioneers gave quite a battle before losing 43-35, is ranked seventh in the top-10 poll.
The Pioneers report to camp Aug. 19 and play their first game Sept. 8 vs. Mount Senario.
May 22, 2001
Pioneers announce 2001 recruits
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2001 football recruiting class is an exciting mix of players at every position, according to Head Coach Mike Emendorfer.
"I'm very pleased over the quality--both academically and athletically--of the young men we have coming to school at UW-Platteville," Emendorfer said. "This is our second full recruiting class, and we added 54 newcomers. Though we still will be a young team, I think we filled the holes we needed to fill."
The head coach praised the combined efforts that it took to bring such a talented class to UW-Platteville.
Emendorfer is happy the recruits come from both the local tri-state area and from out-lying areas such as the Fox Valley, Milwaukee, Chicago, Minnesota and Iowa.
"The assistant coaches, the administration and faculty such as John Krogman and Jerry Oxenford, and many others have gone out of their way to play a major part in recruiting these student-athletes," Emendorfer said. "Our commitment was to have student-athletes who will excel both in the classroom and on the field. We have a large number of recruits who were in the top 10 percent of their class."
Emendorfer is in his third year as the head coach. He took over a program that was 3-27 in its previous three years, and the Pioneers have gone 7-13 in his first campaigns. The Pioneers have caught Southwest Wisconsin's fancy with his wide-open passing offense that brought large crowds to the 10,000-seat Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium. Emendorfer and his staff played with 59 freshmen last year, and the coach is excited about adding this year's group to the mix.
The Pioneers kick off the 2001 campaign at home on Sept. 8 against Mount Senario at 7 p.m.