For the first time since Sept. 5, UWP will play in Pioneer Stadium. Photo by Andy McNeill

Posted October 6, 2009

UW-Platteville plays host to UW-La Crosse for Homecoming Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. UWP Coach Mike Emendorfer discusses the upcoming game and other issues with Sports Information Director Paul Erickson.

Obviously UW-Whitewater is a strong team, ranked second in the nation. What did you get out of playing them?

"We had a great opportunity to play one of the top, if not THE top, team in the nation. Whitewater is a great program and a great team. We felt going in we were the underdogs. A couple of plays here and there, and it could have been 14-7 at halftime, and getting it into the second half (close) was our goal and then maybe have some breaks go our way. We played hard, and the score doesn't indicate it, but we played much better against Whitewater than we did against Augustana. From a coaching standpoint, we are not a top five team in the nation right now, but we are going to continue to try and improve and take a lot of positives from that.

This weekend you don't have to face the number two team, but the number 16 team, UW-La Crosse.

"All eight of our teams in the conference could be ranked in the top 20 or top 30 in the nation. It's a highly competitive league, and we know that playing in the state league. La Crosse is a team that is bouncing back from a down year for them, 3-7, and then switched offenses to the spread. They are still running the ball real well and with a lot of success. Their defense has changed up, too, from past La Crosse teams. They're playing a lot more man and putting pressure on teams. They have the personnel to play man across the board. It's going to be another big challenge for the Pioneer football team this week."

Did you have to send directions to the stadium for the parents so they remember where the stadium is?

"It's been a long time since we've played at home, and at this point, we need a home game. We've had three road games along with the bye week, so we need to be home. We've always been very competitive here against La Crosse, although each year is a different year. So far this week, we've had a great week of practice and great attitudes. As long as we stay positive and continue to improve, I like our opportunities coming up."

Speaking of staying positive, I know you are as competitive as anybody and would like to win games, but when you see what George Katze writes on his blog this week , that has to make you feel good about what you are trying to accomplish at UW-Platteville.

"It does. George is a bright young man who is going into education. From a coaching standpoint, it's nice to hear that the things you are stressing about their personal lives and being great young men are getting through. Last Sunday, after a tough game on Saturday, we decided to take time out to thank people who have affected our lives in a positive way. I feel it is our responsibility as educators to not just teach them how to block and tackle, but to teach them how to be positive young men and be positive forces in our communities. That's one of our priorities. It was nice to see George's words and to see some of those things reinforced. We need to take time out to thank those who have given us our opportunities to live out our dreams."