Platteville, Wis.- For the first time in 23 years, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's football program will have a new coach in charge. Ryan Munz was named the 16th head football coach in Pioneer history on Feb. 7, following Mike Emendorfer's retirement. Munz is no stranger to the Pioneer football program and the fans. Munz spent the previous 15 seasons as the Pioneers' offensive coordinator and has been with the Pioneers for 20 years as a student-athlete and coach.
"It is nice to already have been established in the UW-Platteville community, so it makes the transition easier than from ground zero," Munz said about taking over the program. "The transition has gone well."
Following a season that saw the Pioneers lose four of their six games by single digits, Munz will have 20 returning starters, nine on offense, 10 on defense and one specialist. Of the 20 returners, seven earned All-WIAC honors.
Even with nine offensive starters returning, Munz and new offensive coordinator Brent Allen will be tasked with replacing three-year starter and All-WIAC quarterback Colin Schuetz.
"The competition in the quarterback room is a healthy one," Munz said. "We have a ton of talent in the room, and they all have their strengths. The big test is going to be live play. These guys have never played at this level. We are excited to see them perform well."
A positive for whoever is taking snaps for the Pioneers is the fact that they will be throwing to two 2021 All-WIAC performers in senior wideouts Austin Guy and Brandt Stare.
Mineral Point, Wisconsin native Blaise Watters and Tag Habendank are two returners who have made plays on the offensive side of the ball.
"Watters and Habendank have had a really good camp on the offensive side of the ball," Munz said. "Cam Joseph is solidifying the vacant center position."
The Pioneer defense returns three All-WIAC selections from 2021. Tyler Bacon, a second team All-WIAC selection in 2021 will anchor the defensive line, while seniors Sam Smith and Aidan Tyk will lead from the linebacker and defensive back field.
Sean McMillan will look to get on the field next to Smith in the linebacker ranks, while Peyton Lind has opened eyes in the defensive line.
"McMillan and Lind have really impressed us this fall," Munz said. "They have solidified some open positions and created depth on the defensive unit. We will have some of the best guys in the conference flying around the football and playing together. I am excited to see them compete this year; they are going to be fun to watch."
Munz's first recruiting class will look to find the field early. Wideout Carter Olson, defensive back Jackson Wildes and tight end Max Steinbrecher has caught the coaching staff's eye.
"Olson has really impressed us as an incoming player," Munz said. "Wildes has worked into a role on special teams and Steinbrecher is a pleasant surprise. Overall, we see a ton of talent in the newcomers with huge upside."
The Munz era will officially kick-off on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. when the Pioneers face NCAA Division II Michigan Tech in Houghton, Michigan. The Pioneers will open at home on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. when Bethel College visits Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium. The Pioneers will be celebrating 50 years in the "Ralph" this season. Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium opened on Sept. 9, 1972.
The conference slate will commence on Saturday, Oct. 1. The Pioneers will open at UW-Oshkosh. The Pioneers will welcome UW-River Falls to Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium for the annual Homecoming contest on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 1 p.m.
UW-Platteville and the Pioneers will honor the senior class on Saturday, Nov. 5, when UW-Eau Claire visits for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
To follow the Pioneers all season, visit www.Letsgopioneers.com for links for live stats, postgame recaps and links for the contests that are live streamed. Follow the official social media accounts of Pioneer Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
