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Justin Stanko Obituary
 
Justin Stanko, the first and only All-American in the history of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's soccer program who played for the Warhawks from 2014-16, passed away in late April at the age of 27.
 
A memorial service will be held this Thursday, May 26, in Stanko's hometown of St. Charles, Ill. A wake will take place from 3-6:45 p.m. with a service to immediately follow at Yurs Funeral Home, located at 405 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL, 60174.
 
"Justin Stanko was an incredible athlete and a gentle giant," head coach Tony Guinn said. "He had a very kind heart and was a good person, a humble person. The Warhawk men's soccer program sends its deepest condolences to Justin's family and friends. He will be missed by everyone around our program."
 
After transferring to UW-Whitewater prior to the 2014 season, Stanko made an immediate impact as a defensive stalwart, starting 21 of 22 matches during the 2014 season, when the Warhawks made their first of three straight appearances in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
In 2015, Stanko was named a third team All-American by both the United Soccer Coaches (formerly National Soccer Coaches Association of America) and D3soccer.com. He was selected as the United Soccer Coaches' Co-Defensive Player of the Year and first team all-state in Wisconsin. Stanko recorded five goals, including three game winners, and one assist to lead UW-W back to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Stanko played in 14 matches, including 11 as a starter, during the 2016 season. He finished with seven goals, including the game-winner in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and added one assist.
 
Stanko also played in 12 games for the UW-Whitewater men's basketball team during the 2014-15 season, when the team swept the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships and reached the NCAA Tournament.