Pictured on left: UW-Platteville Men's Head Basketbell Coach Jeff Gard. On the right: Optimist President Bob Hundhausen, Vince Gard, Coach Jeff Gard, Hannah Gard and Optimist Member Tim Boldt.
Optimist Club members were treated with UW-Platteville Pioneers Coach Jeff Gard as their guest speaker at their weekly meeting. Coach Gard and the Pioneers claimed both the conference regular season and tournament titles a year ago and have high goals for the 2024-25 season. Gard is starting his 16th season and has collected over 250 wins to date. Gard spoke about the development of all student athletes in three key areas - personal, academic and athletic. They expect all student athletes to carry a 3.0 or higher GPA. The coach's policy is that they must get it done in the classroom to get it done on the court. The athletes are held to high standards and they do not sacrifice character for athletic ability. He also spoke about their Team Chaplain, Father Dave Flanagan. Father Flanagan is a big piece of their program and meets with the team every Friday morning. Two of Coach Gard's biggest fans attended with him. His daughter, Hannah, and son, Vince, were welcomed by all.
The Pioneers have their home opener Wednesday, November 20th, against Carthage. All are welcome and invited to come out and cheer on the Coach and the Pioneers all season long!