Posted 11/03/05
It's anonymous enough to be an offensive lineman, but a reserve offensive lineman receives even less recognition for his hard work and toil. Today's Weekender spotlights UW-Platteville's Bret Manke, a senior reserve guard from Arlington and a Poynette High School graduate. Manke is one of 12 seniors playing his last home football game Saturday when the Pioneers play host to UW-Stevens Point at 2 p.m.
Has Senior Day hit you at all, that this is your last time to run onto the home field?
"It kind of has hit being a senior and everything. I try to think about it as just another game, but at the same time, I love being out there. It's the last time at home I'll ever be in pads at home, and it's a bit of a win-lose situation. I just love it."
Will you take extra time to look around and soak in some of the sights?
"Oh, I'm sure I probably will, especially at the end of the game. Last time walking through, last time being on the field. It's going to be hard to leave."
This will be the first time you've run through the tunnel to be introduced, as all seniors are. That must be kind of special.
"It definitely will be. I've seen the other guys do it before. I haven't been able to play as much as I would have liked, but I love the game and have stayed with it."
Since you haven't played, what keeps you going? Are there days you wake up sore and wonder why?
"Every day you wake up and find another bruise, but you have to find a reason to keep going. I love football, and I love the guys I'm working with. It's kind of a cliche', but it's a family. There are 99 other guys besides me working for the same thing. With me being a senior, if I said no more, and there are guys looking up to me, even though I'm not playing, what kind of impression would that give the younger guys if I quit or didn't go all out on every play? How could I ask them to do the same?"
What has Pioneer football meant to you?
"Friends. Memories. The biggest thing I have gotten out of it is the Germany trip (in 2003). That was just a blast, and a game I got to play in. With all my high school and college games, that one stands out the most because the atmosphere."
You actually gave up your redshirt year to play in that game.
"I did, but I knew I would graduate in four years. I would love to play another year, but it was worth it."
So what comes after graduation? What is your major?
"I'm in criminal justice. I have one more semester left, and then I plan on going to the (police) academy here in the summer, but haven't decided which way to go after that. I've been asked to apply at different places, but I'm not sure if I want to be in a small town or not. Either way, I may want to start in my hometown area for a couple of years and see what happens. I've been a volunteer fire fighter for three years there and like doing that. Being in the police department is kind of the same thing, helping people. If I could be in a police force and still be a firefighter, I would love that."
Interview by SID Paul Erickson