The Wisconsin–Platteville Pioneers football program is the intercollegiate American football team for the University of Wisconsin–Platteville located in Platteville, Wisconsin. The team competes at the NCAA Division III level and is a member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).
Championships
Conference championships The Pioneers have won the WIAC championship 15 times.
Year Coach Overall record WIAC record1938†Lester Leitl4–13–11941†3–0–23–0–11942†3–1–13–0–11952†5–14–01953†6–04–01956†6–15–019575–15–01968†Monte Charles8–17–11969†Gil Krueger8–17–1197010–18–01971†9–17–11974†Bob Seamans8–27–11976†8–26–21980†George Chryst7–36–22024Ryan Munz9–26–1 † Co-champions
Postseason appearances
NCAA Division III playoffs The Pioneers have made four appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs, with a combined record of 2–4.
Year Round Rival Result 2013 First RoundSecond Round Concordia (WI)North Central (IL) W, 54–20L, 24–52 2016 First Round Saint John's (MN) L, 31–32 2024 Second Round Wartburg L, 14–19 2025 Second RoundThird Round AlmaBethel (MN)W, 24–7L, 24–35
NAIA Division I playoffs The Pioneers have made one appearance in the NAIA Division I playoffs, with a combined record of 0–1.
Year Round Rival Result 1970 Semifinals Texas A&I L, 0–16
Bowl games The Pioneers have a 1–0 bowl record after participating in the Culver's Isthmus Bowl in 2023.
Year Bowl Coach Rival Result Record2023Isthmus BowlRyan MunzAugustana (IL)W 36–107–4
Ranked teams Starting in 1999, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) began publishing rankings for Division III football. In 2003, D3football.com started publishing its own rankings for Division III football. Since the inception of both polls, Wisconsin–Platteville has been ranked at least six times in the AFCA Coaches Poll and six times in the D3football.com poll to end the season. Additionally, while not being ranked in the Top 25 to end the season, the Pioneers have received votes (RV) at least four times in the AFCA Coaches Poll and three times in the D3football.com poll.
Year D3 AFCA Record201213168–220139810–22014RVRV7–3201514158–2201614168–32017RVRV7–32019NRRV7–32023RVRV7–4202416179–2202510119–3
Border Battle From 1984 to 2000, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, home to the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Golden Gophers, hosted games in November between WIAC teams and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) teams at the NCAA Division II level in what came to be known as the "Border Battle". The Pioneers played at the Metrodome three times and had a 1–2 record. DateOpponentResultNovember 18, 1984Minnesota DuluthL 0–10November 14, 1999Minnesota MorrisW 46–15November 11, 2000Southwest Minnesota StateL 30–52
Facilities From 1984 to 2001, the Chicago Bears of the National Football League used the Pioneers facilities for the team's annual preseason training camp. The Bears were looking at Platteville, as well as Wisconsin–Whitewater, but ultimately chose Platteville after a tour with legendary coach and athletic director George Chryst. The Bears cited strong facilities, as well as fewer distractions for the team due to the remoteness of Platteville. The decision seemed to have paid off, as the 1985 Bears went on to win Super Bowl XX. Five other NFL teams used campuses across Wisconsin and Minnesota for training camp, in what was known as the Cheese League.
Notable players Dan Arnold Geep Chryst Rob Erickson Mike Hintz Matt Janus Phil Micech Ryan Munz Forrest Perkins
References
External links