Posted 9/5/07
UW-Platteville’s Michael Schmidt leads the Pioneers into the season opener. Schmidt is a three-year letterman from Mosinee. He talked with UWP Sports Information Director Paul Erickson about the season.
How does it feel coming into the season as the starting quarterback and what has that changed from previous training camps?
“It feels really good, knowing the last four years I’ve paid the price to get here. I feel confident because the coaches have confidence in me, and the players seem to have confidence in me as a quarterback. In years past, it was always a position battle, not knowing who will be the quarterback. It feels good coming in knowing that I’ll get my chance.”
Do you feel different personally?
“Not a whole lot different. It actually takes a little more pressure off me. There’s still pressure to perform, but I feel more comfortable.”
What do you bring to the team? What are are your strengths?
“My major strength is probably leadership. I think I can get the guys fired up, ready to play. I want to be someone they can look at and take 10 other guys down the field. Physically, I think I can run the ball a little more and take some of the pressure off Mike (Genslinger) and Tyson (Droessler).”
Hopes are high at UW-Platteville, especially with 25 or so seniors. What are your feelings?
“I’m pretty excited, with all the seniors coming back, and what I’ve seen in practice to far. The defense has been really sharp. The offense still has some things to iron out, but nothing that we can’t do in practice. The special teams look good, too. There does seem to be a lot of excitement in Platteville this year.”
You start off with a very good team right away in St. Ambrose, who was 10-1 last year, then have Drake and Augustana before conference. There are no cupcakes in that group at all.
“It’s nice to play non-conference teams that offer good competition because every team in our conference could win the conference and advance to the playoffs. It’s nice to play these tougher opponents so we will be prepared once we get into the conference.”
How will it feel to run onto the field for the first time Saturday?
“It will feel great, especially being at home with a nice crowd cheering us on. It’s a great feeling.”
You are an education major. What would you like to do after you earn your degree?
“I’d like to get a job teaching in an elementary school and hopefully keep working towards my master’s in administration in hopes of someday being a principal at an elementary school.”
Interview by SID Paul Erickson