Freshman receiver breaks record, steals spotlight

Michael Zweifel came to UW-River Falls to major in health and human performance and play football. He knew that he would get playing time, but as a freshman on a varsity collegiate football team, he didn’t realize that he would immediately break records.

A 2007, Whitewater High School graduate, Zweifel had his father as a coach for most of his life. This tradition seemed as if it was going to continue through his college years when Stan Zweifel accepted a position as Falcons offensive coordinator last spring. However, Stan Zweifel decided at this time it wasn’t the right career decision and resigned from the position this summer to take a job as the athletic director at Beloit Memorial High School.

Despite this decision, Michael Zweifel has been shining. He has raised the bar at the receiver position for the Falcons. In his first game Sept. 1, he set a school record with 10 receptions. Then, Oct. 29, he broke his own school record for receptions in a single game with 12. Michael Zweifel never predicted to be playing at this level or this well.

“It just feels good to play football at the college level and to contribute to our team,” Michael Zweifel said. “It’s a little nerve wrecking to be playing against juniors and seniors who are a lot bigger than me, but it’s also a good challenge.”

The Falcons are off to a slow start with a record of 1-4 overall, and 0-2 in the WIAC. However, for Michael Zweifel, it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about the personal experience.

“It’s going a lot better than expected,” Michael Zweifel said. “I would have never expected to have things go this well so far. But there is still room for improvement, and I hope everything continues.”

At this level, football is highly competitive and very time consuming.

“So far it hasn’t been too bad,” Michael Zweifel said. “We have study halls we have to go to and that helps to get my school work done.”

He has also had help from the members of the team with not only homework, but with the adjustment to college life.

“A lot of the older players have helped a lot,” he said. “As well as Coach [Jeremy] Kerg, our receiver coach, has helped make the social transition and with everyday problems.”

Despite his personal accomplishments, Michael Zweifel puts team goals first and has high hopes for the rest of the season.

“For our team to finish over .500 in conference play, and to compete with every team,” he said.

And eventually he hopes, “for River Falls to win the WIAC and contend for a National Title.”

When Michael Zweifel isn’t out on the field he enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies and being active.

The Falcons face off against UW-Eau Claire for the Homecoming game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ramer Field.