Club Football
The UW-Milwaukee Panthers football team closed out its inaugural season in the Great Lakes West Conference with a 33-14 win of the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Cougars last weekend. SIUE was one of the Panthers toughest challenges on their schedule. The Cougars returned 1st Team All American QB Conor Heffernan, and only had one conference loss.
The Panthers jumped out to another early lead, taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and a 21-0 lead into halftime. The Cougars came out of halftime strong, scoring two touchdowns and got to within seven points. However, the Panthers dominated the fourth quarter, scoring twice and forcing two turnovers.
Big days from the Panthers included another big outing from QB Sam clack, who was 13-18 for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. Their run game was onstoppable with RB Beto Zarate rushing 18 times for 141 yards and a touchdown, along with Shawn McKenzie rushing 12 times for 70 yards and another rushing touchdown. McKenzie also contributed two catches for 36 yards, both going in for scores.
Head coach Dave Mogensen pointed out the efforts of his offensive line; Nick Lenski, Andre Dallas, Alex Kadulski, Mike Dhein, and Matt Berna.
“These guys have paved the way for five games of over 400 yards of offense and three games of 200 or more yards rushing this year.”
Defensively senior captain LB Jack Gehringer, freshman defensive lineman Dez Marion-Moore and freshman DB Brandon smith continued their stellar play of the season. Smith now holds the Panthers single season record for interceptions with five.
Beto Zarate also set the Panthers single season record for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. QB Sam Clark also set the single season record for passing yardage and passing TDs.
For now, the Panthers can only wait to hear the news if they will play a bowl game in December.
Club Hockey
On November 8th and 9th, the Panthers Hockey team took on UW Superior, losing both games 6-1.
“We were not very opportunistic in these two games. Opponents capitalized on virtually every opportunity while we did not as results demonstrate.” said Coach Tom Robertson.
Friday night’s sole goal came from Nate Harmon with an assist from Josh Baczkowski. On Saturday the lone tally was an outstanding individual effort from Mike MacDonald for the lone goal.
“The effort was definitely there but we just did not finish. If we continue to work hard we will be rewarded.”
This past weekend, the Panthers took on UW-Lacrosse. According to Robertson, Friday night’s match was another night of missed opportunities, which led to a 6-1 loss. The sole goal of the night was scored by Harmon, assisted by Michael Obernauf.
Saturday’s match was a much more spirited effort from the team. The Panthers took an early lead but failed to hold onto it, losing 7-6. Macdonald contributed two goals on the night, with Harmon, Obernauf, Jamie Hetland, and Alex Schauf each contributing single goals of their own.
Schauf also contributed two assists with single assists to MacDonald, Jon Willets, Obernauf and Connor Moran
Club Soccer
The UW-Milwaukee Men’s Club Soccer team finished their regular season with a record of 6-1-3. Throughout the season, the Panthers faced many injuries and replacement players, so commitment and consistency was difficult.
This year, the team tried to expand their brand and marketing through social media and networking. This led them to recruit many people this season.
Their leading scorers were Alberto Valle, Luke Wiesemann, and Chris Lange. Unfortuneatly this season they did not qualify for Regionals. This is a letdown to a team that last year won the division, but lost in Regionals.
However by not qualifying for Regionals, the Panthers saved enough money to enter into a tournament in Arizona for the national title.
“As a team, we will try our best and play hard, represent the state of Wisconsin, and ultimately bring home a trophy back to our University. We want to bring home the National Title and it really is a dream come true to compete in such a prestigious tournament.” said a team representative.