Posted 10/02/07
UW-Platteville wide receiver Craig Patterson hails from Manhattan, Ill. The senior leads the Pioneers into their Homecoming game Saturday at 2 p.m. vs. UW-Stevens Point.
How is your senior season going?
"The senior season is going well. Our won-lost record may not want we want it to be, but we have time to turn it around."
The Pioneers have played one of the most demanding non-conference schedules in the country. How has that helped prepare you for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference games?
"Playing three ranked opponents helps out a lot. They are just as good as anybody we will play from here on. They gave us a chance to tell where we were at competitively and what we needed to work on."
What was the biggest thing you learned about yourselves during the early games?
"We're going to have to bring it every play. We have to play our best to beat the best."
You stepped up into a big role this season, starting at wide receiver and leading the team in touchdown receptions.
"The coaches put us in positions, and if everyone does what we're supposed to do, it opens it up for big plays."
What does it feel like to score on a touchdown pass, like you did against Augustana?
"It felt really good. I've been waiting a long time to score. It came at a big time and gave us a lead going into the half. It's just a good feeling."
What do you look for against UW-Stevens Point?
"It will be an emotional game. They always play us tough. We haven't beaten them in 16 years. Plus, it's Homecoming, so they'll be a big crowd."
What does it mean to play before the home crowd?
"It's really nice, like having a 12th player out there. It lifts us up and helps us try harder."
What are looking to do after graduation?
"I'm a building construction management major, with a business minor. I'm hoping to be a project manager, hopefully in the Chicago-area. I would like to work on large, commercial projects, like skyscapers."
You are originally from Illinois. What brought you to UW-Platteville?
"This was the second or third school I visited. It just felt right, with everybody I talked to. The coaching staff was great, and when I saw that stadium for the first time I thought 'I've got to play here.'"
Interview by Sports Information Director Paul Erickson