UW-Platteville Preview

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers
Head Coach: Chris Walter
Years at School as head coach: 12
Career Record at school: 88-77-3
Assistant Coaches: Keith Albert, Jeff Gale

2008-2009 Dual Meet Record: 3-5
2008-2009 All-American: Jesse Milks (5th/157)
Returning All-American: Milks
Number of returning wrestlers who competed in 2009 national qualifier: 6

Top returning starters:
141 Andy Casper 18-7
157 Jesse Milks 2x All-American, 3x WIAC Champ
165 Vinny Alber 29-5 in 2007-2008
197 Brad Zellner 21-14 at 184

Top incoming wrestlers:
Seth Milks 4x IL champ
Brian Lovell 2nd IL
Allen Fish 3rd IL
Alex Johnson 2nd WI
IL State Qualifiers: Kyle Bridgeman, Robbie Brink, Travis Full
WI State Qualifiers: Zach Coslett, Brad Hesebeck

Transfers:
Rory Edge 2x WI champ
Garrett Kite 2x WI finalist

Platteville returns 2x All-American and 3x WIAC champ Jesse Milks at 157, but it looks like a lot of the teams strength will come from incoming wrestlers.  After finishing near the bottom of the WIAC tournament standings, Platteville has reloaded nicely and should be able to challenge in the future.  The incoming freshman class is highlighted by 4x Illinois state champ Seth Milks who joins his brother at Plattevill.  Three other state placewinners and five state qualifiers make up the rest of the freshman highlights.  Two impact transfers come in from Iowa Central Community College.  Both Rory Edge and Garrett Kite were Wisconsin state finalists.  Additionally, Vinny Alber returns after a year away.  He won 29 matches in 2007-2008 and will be counted on in the middle of the lineup.  The success of the team may depend on how the new wrestlers fit into the program and how the lineup shakes out with all the newcomers.