Wedepohl to captain UW-Platteville wrestlers

November 17, 2016

The Brillion News

PLATTEVILLE – Grant Wedepohl, a sophomore from Reedsville, is one of three men named to captain the University of Wisconsin-Platteville wrestling team for the 2016-2017 season.

The three captains were selected by recommendations from their Pioneer wrestling teammates based on how they exemplify the Pioneer Wrestling team member agreements. The three are Wedepohl, John Goetz and Scottie Arneson.

“Each of them brings different leadership qualities to the team and all are academically focused,” Pioneers’ head coach Mike DeRoehn said. “They set a strong example, on and off the mat, so I’m excited to watch them lead and encourage their teammates.”

Wedepohl was a NCAA qualifier at 184 pounds in 2016. He earned championships at the Super 8 Invitational, MSOE Invitational, and became the first NCAA West Regional champion for UW-Platteville last season.

Wedepohl is studying engineering physics and earned Academic All-American honors to finish his 2016 season. He also earned his second Super 8 Invitational championship on November 5 of this year, including a victory over a returning NCAA qualifier, to start his season on a positive note.

Goetz, a sophomore from West Bend, was a NCAA Division III qualifier at 174 pounds in 2016 despite an injury limited season.

Arneson returns for his sophomore season looking for a trip to the national tournament. He is from Merrill and made a big impact for the Pioneers after a late season drop to 133 pounds last year.

The Pioneers wrestle one match in our area this season, taking on UW-Oshkosh at the Kolf Sports Center in Oshkosh at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 1.

The UW-Platteville wrestling program has another local connection. The assistant coach is Ryan Renon, a graduate of Wrightstown High School and Lakeland College.