The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's soccer team will recognize the 40th anniversary of the 1986 men's soccer team on October 17th, during the game against UW-Eau Claire, as part of the Alumni Appreciation Game.
The 1986 men's team was the first time the Warhawk men's program reached the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III National Tournament, giving way for the long-term success of the Warhawk men's soccer program. During the 1986 campaign, the team went a combined 12-3-1 record, outscoring opponents 45-9. The Warhawks took the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Soccer Association (WISA) regular-season title with a 5-1-0 conference record, earning the conference's bid into the NCAA Tournament.
The 1986 Warhawks were 4-1-0 in conference heading into the WISA season finale against Saint Norbert College on November 1st. The Green Knights were the top team in the conference, with a 5-0-0 record. With a temperature of 32-degrees at kick, the Warhawks knocked the frost off the netting early with a goal from Jeff Rude in just the third minute of the game.
Mike Brandenburg -
UWW Men's Soccer (1986)
The Warhawks went on to defeat the Green Knights 3-1 with a goal from Mike Brandenburg and a second goal from Rude to secure their spot in the 1986 NCAA Division III National Tournament, the first appearance by the UW-Whitewater men's soccer program. UW-Whitewater fell to Saint John's (Minnesota), one of the top teams in the country that year, in a close 1-0 battle in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. However, the memories from that season have lasted a lifetime.
"Making it to the NCAA tournament was unforgettable, but the friendships we built at Whitewater have lasted far beyond soccer" said Freddie Heckel, one of the team captains of the 1986 team.
Fellow team-captain Marty Krach expanded, "We shared the fun, the hard times, and every chance to support one another. Even as life took us in different directions, we've always had each other's backs, and whenever we reunite, it feels like no time has passed; we love our team."
Todd Lamberty, Warhawk Hall-Of-Fame keeper, recorded 18 saves in the contest. That season, Lamberty made 83 total saves, recording a 92.2% save percentage, which remains a Warhawk single-season record to this day.
"Our success came from putting the team first—on the pitch or on the bench, we supported one another and celebrated each other's success," Lamberty noted. "The chemistry, positive energy, and love we shared made it a privilege to be part of this team, and I'm grateful for it 40 years later."
Jay Jacques and Todd Lamberty - UWW Men's Soccer (1986)
Rude led the team in scoring with a team-high 12 goals and three assists for 27 points. Rude, Kevin Fiedler, Dave Quinn, and Kane Sether led the team in assists with three each.
"The 1986 team was one of the first groups to welcome me to the Warhawk family when I started at UW-Whitewater 15 years ago," Head Coach
Tony Guinn mentioned. "The bond that is created in college athletics is real, and this team is living proof."
The Warhawks invite all men's soccer alumni to attend the October 17th contest against UW-Eau Claire at Fiskum Field at 7:00 PM. The special recognition for the 1986 team will take place at halftime of the game. There will also be an in memoriam for the members of the 1986 team that passed away, including Head Coach Gene Cardinal, Assistant Coach Dick Schultz, and defender Mark Hoffman.
Photos provided by 1986 Men's Soccer Alum Kevin Fiedler
