Back in 1980, the average price of gasoline was $1.22 a gallon, a movie ticket would cost you $2.70, and a loaf of bread set you back 50 cents. 1980 happens to be the last time the UW-Platteville football team had a share of the WIAC championship. And like the changing prices over the years, the Pioneers are set on shifting the power balance atop their conference hierarchy in 2024.
UW-Platteville Treading Upward
Third-year head coach Ryan Munz has been around the UW-Platteville football program for 22 years as first a player, then-assistant, and now the man in charge of the Pioneers. He has seen the ups and downs through those years, but after NCAA Division III playoff appearances in 2013 and 2016, Munz has the Pioneers on an upward course as he guided his program to an Isthmus Bowl win over Augustana College in 2023.
This year, Munz’s squad has rattled off five straight wins to begin the season, including a 28-7 beat down of #4-ranked UW-River Falls on Saturday, October 12th. That triumph vaulted the Pioneers into a #6 ranking in the latest D3football.com poll.
When asked what contributed to their fast start, Munz pointed to the work put in before the season by all of those attached to the program. “Brotherhood, discipline, and toughness give us the ability for greatness,” he said. “Our players and coaches have put in a lot of work behind the scenes to prepare for this opportunity. We believe that this is the catalyst to our success so far this season.”
Munz credits that work ethic and team camaraderie to how leadership is spread throughout the team and not singling out any one player above another as main contributors; they have a true “we before me” mentality. In fact, he was asked which were his main players and leaders this year, and he replied, “All of them. In our program, every player is a leader.”
Led by offensive coordinator Brent Allen, the Pioneers have averaged a whopping 420.4 yards per game thus far this season. Senior quarterback Michael Priami has accounted for an average of 253.6 yards of that total through the air while connecting on 18 touchdowns to nine different receivers. Sophomore Zackary Bothun has rushed for 436 yards and 4 touchdowns, both of which lead the Pioneers.
Lots of Football in the WIAC Yet to Be Played
Munz and his staff know that while getting off to an unbeaten start matters, their season is only half over. With ranked conference opponents UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater looming on their schedule, now is not the time to rest on past accomplishments.
“It’s the WIAC, every single team on our schedule is a threat,” stated Munz.
When pressed to establish how the Pioneers can continue their successful emergence, Munz again acknowledged the need to take care of the minor details. “Staying true to who we are and focusing on the little things that matter. Preparing to win is the key to continued success.”
UW-Platteville Football Nation is Ready to Support a Winner
After two weeks of conference play, nothing has been decided in the WIAC, especially with the caliber of programs yet to be faced by UW-Platteville’s football team. But try telling that to a fan base who has waited 44 years to quench their conference championship drought.
All those who are members of Platteville Nation have a hand in the current and future success of the program, according to Munz. “We have great administration, coaches, players, parents, and fans that genuinely care about UW-Platteville football. The people here are amazing. None of this is possible without the belief that it is attainable. We believe. Keep Swinging The Axe!”
The Pioneers are halfway there in transforming their goal of a championship into a reality.