Andrew (Drew) Payne

The Falcon of the Week honor is awarded to Andrew Payne this week. Andrew is a 6' 1" sophomore guard on the men's basketball team from IHM High School located in Illinois.

Andrew has averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds in the past 3 games for UW-Fond du Lac Falcons. In these three games the Falcons beat UW-Sheboygan by a score of 96-52, won against UW-Marinette by a score of 71-68, and beat Marian College JV by a score of 78-75.

Head coach Jason Collien credits Andrew Payne with "playing with a very high level of intensity on both offense and defense."

UW-Fond du Lac men's basketball will travel to UW-Manitowoc on December 11 to defend their unbeaten conference record. The men are currently (5-0) conference record and (9-1) overall.

Dan Spanbauer

The Falcon of the Week honor is awarded to Dan Spanbauer this week. Dan is a 5’10” sophomore guard on the men’s basketball team from Oshkosh West High School located in Oshkosh, WI.

In UW-Fond du Lac’s win verse UW-Waukesha on Wednesday, November 29 of this week at home; Spanbauer poured in 23 points in the game, he shot very well from beyond the arc making 7 out of 13 attempts from 3-point land. Dan also lead the team in assists this game with 5.

The men won this game by a score of 81-79 which moved the men into first place in conference and overall in the state with a (3-0) record in conference play and (7-0) record overall this season.

Head coach Jason Collien credits Dan Spanbauer with "shooting the ball from the outside very well and managing the game with his sophomore leadership.”

This is UW-Fond du Lac’s first win over perennial powerhouse UW-Waukesha in nearly a decade.

UW-Fond du Lac will defend their undefeated season at home vs. UW-Sheboygan on Monday, December, 4 for their next conference game.

Kara Putz

The Falcon of the Week honor is awarded to Kara Putz this week. Kara is a sophomore 5’6” guard on the women’s basketball team from Winnebago Lutheran Academy located in Fond du Lac, WI.

Kara Putz had 22 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 blocked shot, and 7 steals in an away game verse UW-Fox Valley on November 20th. The-UW Fond du Lac women won this game by a score of 68-30. This was a key conference win for the Lady Falcons; their first conference win of the year.

Head coach Robert Wonser credits Kara Putz with "taking a leadership role for their team both on and off the court.”

UW-Fond du Lac will play UW-Richland at home on Monday, November 27 for their next game. The women are currently (1-1) in conference play and (2-3) overall.

Eric Schwartzmiller

Eric Schwartzmiller is the recipient of “Falcon of the Week” honors this week. Eric is a sophomore forward from Mayville High School in Mayville, WI.

The UW-Fond du Lac men’s basketball team played on the road this week for their first conference game @ UW-Washington. The men continued their undefeated season by winning @ UW-Washington by a score of 86-75 for their first conference win of the season and their 4th win overall.

Eric contributed to this win by scoring a season high 23 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and having 3 steals. “Eric gives a 110% every time he steps on the court and is willing to run through a wall if you ask him to; I give him credit for his great work ethic and will to win,” according to Head Coach Jason Collien.

The Falcon Men are now (4-0) overall and (1-0) in conference. UW-Fond du Lac will be @ UW Fox Valley for their next conference game on Monday, November 20th at 8:00 pm.

Men's Basketball Team

UW-Fond du Lac won their first game on Friday night vs. UW-Baraboo by a score of 84-67, advancing them to face the winner of the UW-Fox Valley and UW-Marshfield game on Saturday. The Falcons had 4 players score double figures: Dan Spanbauer – 17 pts., Charlie Beau – 24 pts., Trevor Joswick – 10 pts., and Eric Scwartzmiller – 15 pts. Charlie Beau and Eric Schwartzmiller had double/double on the night with Charlie having 11 rebounds and Eric adding another 11 rebounds too.

TThe Falcons faced UW-Marshfield in the Championship game on Saturday and won by a score of 83-62. UW-Fond du Lac again had 4 players scoring in double figures: Dan Spanbauer - 13 pts., Lee Dardis – 12 pts., Justin Bovee – 18 pts., and Charlie Beau – 27 pts. Charlie Beau also recorded a double/double with 27 points and 14 rebounds in the game.

Dan Spanbauer and Charlie Beau were named to the “All-Tournament Team”, despite Dan’s injury in the second half of the championship game. Charlie Beau went on to be named the “MVP” of the tournament as well.

Head Coach Jason Collien commented after the conclusion of the tournament, “these were team wins, we had spectacular performances by individuals in this tournament; but in both games we worked together as a team and came up with the wins”.

This was the second and third games of the season for the Falcon Men which moves them to (3-0) overall and (0-0) in conference. UW-Fond du Lac will be @ UW-Washington on Wed., November 15th at 8:00 pm for their first conference game of the season.

Charlie Beau

The Falcon of the Week honor is awarded to Charlie Beau this week. Charlie is a 6’1” guard on the men’s basketball team from St. Mary Springs High School located in Fond du Lac, WI.

In UW-Fond du Lac’s home opener vs. Fox Valley Technical College; the Falcons won by a score of 91-60. Charlie contributed to this winning effort by scoring a team high 26 points and 10 rebounds with 6 of 9 from 3 point range.

“Charlie is a leader on the court and came up big with clutch shooting and hustle in our first win of the season,” according to Head Coach Jason Collien.

This was the first game and first win of the season for the Falcon Men which moves them to (1-0) overall and (0-0) in conference. UW-Fond du Lac will be at home again on Friday, November 10th and Saturday, November 11th for their annual “Tip-Off Tournament”. The other teams competing are UW-Fox Valley, UW-Baraboo, UW-Marshfield, and UW-Fond du Lac.

Leah George

Leah George is a sophomore volleyball player from Fond du Lac High School in Fond du Lac, WI. Leah plays the middle hitter/blocker and setter positions on the team. Leah took on these roles compared to last year which she solely played at the weak side hitter position.

On Wednesday, October 18th, UW-FDL hosted the Region 3 playoffs for the WJCAA state tournament held at UW-Rock on October 21st. In order to advance to the WJCAA state tournament the Falcons needed to finish in the top two teams at Regional Competition. The night was very exciting, it came down to the final game vs. UW Waukesha (who was undefeated on the night), and the Falcons had to win to advance to the state tournament; UW FDL ended up winning (30-27) and advancing to the state tournament on Saturday.

Leah had an outstanding night in the Regional competition; she had 21 kills, 9 blocks, 22 assists, 13 digs, and she was 35 for 37 serving with 4 Ace serves. With Leah’s outstanding performance at Regional play she was in turn voted to the WJCAA All-State Team later that night.

“She played well all-around, this was probably one of her best night's for hitting and blocking on the season,” according to Coach Duley.

Andy Del Ponte

Andy Del Ponte is a freshman soccer player from Lomira High School in Lomira, WI. Andy plays the position of goalie on the soccer team.

UW-Fond du Lac played their final regular season game at MATC (Milwaukee) on Monday, October 9th. The Falcons won their game by a score of (2-1), and in that game Andy recorded 8 saves. The falcons ended the regular season with a record of (9-5-1) overall and (5-1) in conference.

The Falcons also started WCC conference tournament play this week on Wednesday, October 11th; with UW-Fond du Lac seeded #2 and hosting #3 UW-Waukesha. UW-Fond du Lac won this game by a score of (6-5) in a very exciting game despite cold temperatures and high wind gusts. In this game Andy recorded 8 saves, 1 late penalty kick save, and 1 late break-away in the game to preserve the Falcons lead. With this win the Falcons advanced to the WCC Conference Championship Game hosted at UW Fond du Lac on Saturday, October 14th.

In the WCC Conference Championship game the Falcons beat UW-Baraboo to be crowned as the Conference Champions and received an automatic bid into the WJCAA Championship game which will also be hosted at UW-Fond du Lac on Saturday, October 21st at 3:00 pm. In the WCC Championship Game Andy recorded 3 saves and the only goal scored by UW Baraboo was on a penalty kick.

“Andy was a diamond in the ruff, coming into this season. By having Andy at goalie I was able to move Zach Eigenbrodt to an offensive player. Andy basically kept us in the game vs. UW-Waukesha by saving the penalty kick & late break-away; and also has been playing very well in the post season,” according to head coach – Craig Larson.

UW-Fond du Lac now awaits the winner of the playoff game between UW Baraboo and MATC (Madison); they will play the winner of that game in this weekend’s WJCAA Championship Game. The Falcons are now (11-5-1) overall and (7-1) in conference.

Jade Krug

Jade Krug is a freshman volleyball player from Fond du Lac High School in Fond du Lac, WI. Jade plays the position of outside hitter on the women’s volleyball team.

UW-Fond du Lac played in 3 games this week all at home against MATC (Milwaukee) on Monday, October 2nd, UW-Richland on Wednesday, October 4th, and UW-Manitowoc on Friday, October 6th. The Falcons played very well this week, winning all 3 of their matches by scores of: (30-5, 30-7, 30-12) over MATC (Milwaukee); (30-16, 30-23, 30-20) over UW Richland; and (30-15, 30-13, 30-12) over UW-Manitowoc.

Jade sparked the team in all 3 games with (8 kills, 10 digs, and 15 for 15 for serving with 2 aces) against MATC (Milwaukee); (9 kills, 2 blocks, 8 digs, and 9 for 10 serving) against UW-Richland; and (14 kills, 8 digs, and 8 for 8 serving) against UW-Manitowoc.

According to Jade’s coach, Roger Duley “Jade is a very powerful hitter, great server, solid overall player, and she is at 99% for serving for the season. Jade also gives the team that extra spark when they need it.”

UW-Fond du Lac improved their record to (7-5) overall and (2-3) in conference. The Falcon Volleyball Team will be on the road on Monday, October 9th at UW-Fox Valley for their last conference game and then in Wisconsin Dells for their conference tournament during the weekend.

UW-Fond du Lac Soccer Team

The UW-Fond du Lac Soccer Team receives “Falcon of The Week” honors for their superb performances’ with wins over UW-Waukesha and UW-Marathon this week. The soccer team members are: (bottom row, right to left) Joey Schraufnagl (Mayville), Jeremy Wagner (FDL), Ryan Meyers (Chilton), Ascencion Ramirez (FDL), Kyle Stewart (Deforest), Kyle Lefeber (New Holstein), (top row right to left) Coach Craig Larson, Lucas Nett (FDL), Doug Igoe (Kimberly), Zach Eigenbrodt (FDL), Cory Bougie (Wrightstown), Todd Schabel (Mayville), Jaryd Wink (FDL). Players not pictured are: Jason Ketterer (Mayville), Tim Jordan (Lomira), Bob Rickmeyer (FDL), Shawn Allie (Beaver Dam), Andy Del Ponte (Lomira).

The soccer team played at UW-Waukesha on Monday, September 25th, this was a must win conference game for the Falcons to stay on top of the conference. UW-FDL went on to win the game in the second overtime with Todd Schabel scoring the winning goal at the 109th minute of the game with an assist from Cory Bougie. The falcons won 3-2 for a final score. This was their first win over UW-Waukesha in 3 years. Doug Igoe and Shawn Allie also scored goals in the game with assist from Jayrd Wink and Zach Eigenbrodt. The goal keeper Andy Del Ponte also had 6 saves in the game.

The Falcons also played at UW-Marathon on Wednesday, September 27th, for their final conference game of the season. They won the game by a score of 8-1, with goals coming from Todd Schabel (3), Zach Eigenbrodt, Doug Igoe, Shawn Allie, Kyle Lefeber, and Lucas Nett; and assists from Zach Eigenbrodt, Todd Schabel, Cory Bougie (2), Ryan Meyers, Jaryd Wink, and Doug Igoe. With the win over UW-Marathon, UW-Fond du Lac is tied for first place in the conference overall with UW-Baraboo.

“In the game against UW-Waukesha it was a very hard fought battle which could have went either way between the two teams, we happened to score at the right time”, credits head coach Craig Larson.

UW-Fond du Lac is (5-1) in conference (tied for first place), and (7-5-1) overall. There next game will be at home vs. UW-Sheboygan on Saturday, October 7th @ 2:00 pm, followed by a home first round tournament game at home on Wednesday, October 11th (TBA).

Tyler Maas

Tyler Mass is a sophomore golfer from Lomira High School and resides in Brownsville, WI.

Tyler led the UW-Fond du Lac golf team to a second place finish at their first invitational of the year, held at the UW-Waukesha (Ironwood Golf Course) on 9-19-06. Tyler shot an 80 (39-41) for the day which landed him a second place medal overall, only 3 strokes behind the leader.

On Friday (9-22-06) Tyler lead the Falcons to a win at a quadrangular match held by UW Marathon (Wausau Country Club). Tyler shot an 81 (43-38) on a soggy rainy day to win the individual honors of the day too.

"Our team played well at both matches this week. The season is still young but we hope Tyler and the team will continue this hot streak,” Credits co-coaches Tom Clausen and John Scotello.

UW-Fond du Lac golf is away at UW-Washington on Monday, September 25th and will host their home invitational at Rolling Meadows Golf Course on Thursday, September 28th starting at 12:00 pm.

Todd Schabel

Todd Schabel is a freshman soccer player from Mayville High School in Mayville, WI. He plays as the position(s) of middle and forward on the team.

Todd helped UW-Fond du Lac gain their first conference win of the season over UW-Washington this week (9-13-06). In the Falcons game @ UW-Washington Todd had 2 goals and 1 assist leading the Falcons to a (4-0) shutout, win. This was UW-Fond du Lac’s first win in four years against UW-Washington.

In UW-Fond du Lac’s game at home vs. UW Rock (9-15-06), Todd scored 2 more goals to help the Falcon’s secure their second conference win of the season with a (3-2) win.

UW-Fond du Lac’s conference record is now (2-1) and (4-4-1) overall.

Leslie Steinbach

Leslie Steinbach is a sophomore volleyball player from Mayville, WI. Leslie plays at the setter/middle hitter position and she is the captain of the team this season.

In UW-Fond du Lac’s first week of competitive play, Leslie had a superb start to the season. In the Falcons first three matches of the season, Leslie had a combined total of 43 kills, 14 blocks, 14 digs, 29 assists, and served 46/49 with 10 Aces for the week. With Leslie’s effort UW-Fond du Lac won matches against UW-Baraboo and Mid-State Technical College (9-5-06) in three games straight, and lost to UW-Marathon in 4 games (9-8-06).

“Leslie has proven she can adjust to any position on the floor. She moved from setter/ right-side hitter last season to setter/ middle hitter this season. Leslie’s sophomore leadership showed on the court, she got the team going with a couple of big blocks and kills;” credits head coach Roger Duley.

The Falcons are currently (2-1) overall and (0-0) in conference play.

Zach Eigenbrodt

Zach Eigenbrodt is a sophomore soccer player from Fond du Lac, WI. Zach is the captain of the soccer team and plays primarily at the goalie position on the team.

Zach played “big” in both games this week, at Ripon College and in their annual Alumni Game. In their game at Ripon College, UW-FDL was ahead 1-0 until Ripon tied the game at halftime. In the second half Zach stopped a key breakaway by Ripon preserving the 1-1 tie. Due to multiple injuries, Zach was moved to a different position in the second half, and Ripon went on to win the game 4-1 and UW-FDL was forced to finish the game with only 10 players on the field.

In UW-Fond du Lac’s annual Alumni Game, Zach was credited with a first half shut-out and then moved to the striker position in the second half and went on to score 2 goals. The Falcons went on to win the game by a score of 8-2.

This was the Falcons first week of non-conference competition and Zach has emerged as a leader (captain) on the team, both on and off the field. “Zach played big at the net in both our games this week, and I like his versatility to move around to different positions too,"  credits his coach Craig Larson.

UW-Fond du Lac is now (0-0) in conference play and (1-1) in overall play.

UW-Fond du Lac soccer is away next Wednesday at UW-Baraboo for their first conference game. UW-Fond du Lac’s next home soccer game will be Saturday, Sept. 9 at 10:00 am at the soccer complex; this is UW-Fond du Lac’s annual 4 team soccer kick off tournament.