1997-98 UWMC Basketball Pre-Season Outlook

Coach Gibbs Welcomes 7 Returnees, Strong Recruiting Class

Men’s Basketball is on the rise at the University of Wisconsin Marathon County. In Coach Dave Gibbs’ three years at the helm, the Huskies have finished 11-11, 11-9, and 19-6. With seven players returning from the ‘96-97 squad, expectations at the two-year campus in Wausau are quite high!

1996-97 was a record-setting year for the Huskies. Nineteen victories set a new standard for single season wins, and the team advanced to the WJCAA Final Four for the first time in school history.

Formerly at UW Rock in Janesville from 1989-1993, Gibbs’ teams won back-to-back Wisconsin Collegiate Conference (WCC) championships in 1991 and 1992, and a Wisconsin Junior College Athletic Association (WJCAA) state championship in 1991. His career record in seven years as a head coach in the junior college men’s ranks is 119 - 61 (.661).

The 1997 version of the Huskies will be led by a quintet of sophomore returnees – three from the same school - Lakeland High School in Minocqua, Wisconsin. 5’10" point guard Matt Kock, who averaged 15 ppg and nearly 8 assists, was recognized by the conference coaches as co-player of the year in the Western Division of the WCC. High school teammate Greg Arnett, a 6’7" post player, averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds per game and was named 2nd team all WCC. Despite missing most of the second semester with an ankle injury, Doug Frick, 6’1" swing player, averaged 16 ppg and was named to the WJCCA 1st team all-state. Brian Petruzalek, a Phillips native, who as a sixth man led the team in scoring much of the season averaging just under 15 ppg while shooting 51% from the three point arc. Add Scott Brown (Manawa), who filled in admirably in Frick’s absence, and the Huskies return over 80% of their scoring output from the previous season. The only starters lost were sophomore Michael Gresens (Marathon), who will transfer to UW-Madison to complete his degree in Business, and Curtis Johnson (Rhinelander), who is not in school this fall.

Arnett, Kock, and Petruzalek will serve as tri-captains for the '97-98 campaign.

Jeff Schneider (Wausau East) and Jason Van Straten (Shiocton) both joined the Huskies at mid-season and are expected to return and compete for playing time at the guard positions.

The incoming class of freshmen is anchored by four h.s. all-conference players: Ray Daniels (Medford, 5’10" PG), and John Ramirez (Sauk Prairie, 6’5" C), were named 1st team all-conference. Jon Goodness (Wi. Rapids Assumption, 6’4" Swing) and Aaron Jozwiak (Witt-Birn, 5’10" PG) were both named honorable mention all-conference.

Other newcomers include Ramirez’ high school teammate Steve Zimmer (Sauk Prairie, 6’0" swing), who with Ramirez brings big-game experience from the Eagles consecutive trips to the WIAA Division 2 state finals.

Returnees

• Matt Kock (Lakeland/Minocqua) - 1st team A/C, Co-player of the Western Division
• Greg Arnett (Lakeland) - 2nd team A/C
• Doug Frick (Lakeland) - WJCAA All-State Team
• Brian Petruzalek (Phillips)
• Scott Brown (Manawa)
• Jeff Schneider (Wausau East)
• Jason Van Straten (Shiocton)

Newcomers

• Ray Daniels (Medford)*
• J.D. Duncan (Lakeland)
• Brad Feakes (Winnipeg, CANADA)
• Aaron Jozwiak (Witt-Birn)*
• Adam Miller
• Ryan Monroe (Rhinelander)
• John Ramirez (Sauk Prairie)*
• Frank White (Lakeland)
• Steve Zimmer (Sauk Praire)

* - H.S. All-Conference Pick