The UW-Platteville Pioneer's men's and women's soccer teams are taking an 11-day trip to Spain, May 22-31 and compete in two soccer games in Seville.
"We are taking this trip as part of the educational and athletic experience that UW-Platteville offers for our student-athletes," Pioneer Coach Chris Bianchi said. "It is an opportunity for community members, faculty, players and family members to learn about other cultures, make new friendships and celebrate the world's most popular sport. It will also allow our teams extra practices and two quality matches to help prepare us for the 2006 season. We are extremely excited to be 'ambassadors' representing the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and also U.S. soccer."
Among the places the Pioneers will visit include Malaga, Torremolinos and Costa del Sol, Granada, the Alhambra Palace, Seville and UWP's Spanish-American Institute, Maria Luisa Park, Giralda Tower and Cathedral, and Cordoba and the Old Jewish Quarter. They will travel to Ronda to see the Puente Viejo overlooking the El Tajo Gorge, the bullring, and Mondragon Palace to include the alameda Del Tajo Gardens. While in Madrid, they will see the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace as well as going to Toledo, home of El Greco.
Athletes participating in this trip from the men's soccer team include Eric Christensen, a senior from Racine, WI (Prairie); Laity Loum, a junior from Madison, WI (Memorial); Michael Volle, a junior from Wauwatosa, WI (Wisconsin Lutheran); Alex Albright, a sophomore from Middleton, WI; Devin Wallace, a junior from Milwaukee, WI (Whitefish Bay); Travis Pennings, a sophomore from Appleton, WI (West); Jason Vockrodt, a junior from Anoka, MN; Eric Sautbine, a senior from Waukesha, WI (Catholic Memorial); Brian Mark, a freshman from Lakemore, IL (Grant); Ryan Whipple, a senior from Muskego, WI; David Brus, a sophomore from Walcott, IA (Davenport West); and Cruz Munoz, a sophomore from Racine, WI (Park).
Athletes participating from the women's soccer team include Sarah Gengler, a senior from Hartford, WI (Hartford Union); Stefanie Lund, a senior from Franklin, WI; Katie Trifone, a sophomore from Dubuque, IA (Wahlert); Abigail Genske, a junior from Madison, WI (Abundant Life Christian); Shannon Jacoby, a sophomore from Hartford, WI (Hartford Union); Raquel Shireman, a senior from Richland Center, WI; Paula Duerst, a senior from New Glarus, WI; Vicki Hribar, a sophomore from Franksville, WI (Waterford); Elisa Schulenberg, a sophomore from Cross Plains, WI (Middleton); Brynne Boyle, a sophomore from Moline, IL; Marita Hyde, a sophomore from Villa Park, IL (Willowbrook); Amber Taylor, a sophomore from Wausau, WI (West); and Laurie Trifone, a junior from Dubuque, IA (Wahlert).
The Pioneer women are coming off the first winning record in the 14-year history of the program. Under Coach Chris Bianchi, the Pioneers were 9-7-3. The Pioneers broke the school record for fewest goals allowed during a season with 16 goals, compared to the 1995 record of 32. The men's soccer team finished its season at 9-7-4, its first winning season since 2002.
"We will see a different style of play while in Spain," Bianchi said. "Everything will be build upon possession from the Spanish teams. I am sure their one-on-one and combination play will be something we'll have to adjust to. There won't be many kick-and-run tactics that we'll see from these opponents."
The current Pioneer coach is also excited about having former Coach Fred Eberlein on the trip. No coach has ever guided a single collegiate team in Wisconsin as long as Eberlein, who led UWP from 1973 until 1998.
"I was pleasantly surprised when Coach Eberlein accepted my offer to come out of retirement and help guide the Pioneer men's and women's teams during their Spanish tour," Bianchi said. "I believe he will be the oldest college assistant soccer coach in the nation. His 51 years of coaching knowledge will be a major asset for our teams! Coach Eberlein has been one of our most loyal supporters of Pioneer soccer and it will be fantastic to have him back as a member of the UWP soccer staff."
(Note: Players' years in school are for the 2006-07 school year.)