Berent Froiland, a senior from Viroqua majoring in crop and soil science and the only senior on the UW-Platteville men’s basketball team, was recently named to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team. This is the first year in which the award has been given out.

Photograph by Brady Terry

“He doesn’t need the limelight though,” head coach, Paul Combs, said. “He is very humble and an outstanding role model.”

Froiland is known as “Bear” by his teammates and friends. He has been a part of the men’s basketball team for all of his four years at UW-P.

“He is the ultimate team player and comes to practice as a hard worker,” teammate Charlie Lohoff, said.

Froiland grew up on a dairy farm and a few years ago his mother became ill and passed away. Before she passed away she told him to get a college education. He was torn once it had happened and had an obligation to his dad and their dairy farm, but also had an obligation to his coach and teammates. He took some time off and came back full strength the following season. He had his basketball family to help him get through it as well. “It would have been tough to get through without basketball,” Froiland said. “It was as though there was a void there if I left the team.”

Froiland came to UW-P because the history of the program and all the traditions that the men’s team had to offer. He has also met a lot of interesting people along the way.

“There are a lot of perks, but a lot of work,” Froiland said. He likes the interaction between all of his teammates and also the alumni.

The teams lone senior was honored Feb. 23, against UW-Stevens Point, in which he started the game.

“I wasn’t expecting to start and it was a neat experience especially since we were playing [Stevens] Point.”

The Pioneers rolled onto victory beating the Pointers 84-65 closing out the regular season before the first round of the WIAC Tournament. After the game, Froiland was honored once again by Combs and his assistant coaches at the post-game party.

“It was a nice gesture from the coaching staff,” Froiland said about being honored at Senior Night.

Froiland may not be known for being the leading scorer or have the most rebounds, but that does not stop him from playing. He is a student first and an athlete second.

“He is a first-class representation of UW-P and the men’s basketball program,” Combs said. He didn’t talk much when he came in as a freshman and needed to get in shape.

Being around the guys and having close relationships built up his confidence. “He is like the Godfather,” Lohoff said. Everyone looks up to him and he is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I can’t say enough good things about him, Lohoff said.

Lohoff and Froiland have become a lot closer over the years. Some of his teammates thought of him as a little intimidating and did not interact with many of them. On the weekends, Lohoff and Froiland hang out, go to dinner and occasionally play video games.

His dream job is to be an NFL camera man, but if that doesn’t work out, he is going to go into the field of agronomy.

“Coach is kind of tough because he expects you to be prepared. Even for practice to have your best game,” Froiland said.

“It’s interesting,” Froliand said when asked what it is like to play for Combs, “especially with the team. They are a unique, fun group of guys.”

“I will miss his leadership both on and off the court, but we’ll keep in touch as much as possible,” Lohoff said.

The Pioneers closed out the season with a 19-7 record and was finished second in the conference. Jeff Skemp earned third team All-American honors as well as first team All-West Region basketball honors and first team All-WIAC basketball honors. Curt Hanson also was named to first team All-WIAC basketball honors and was ranked second in the country in three-point shooting percentage. The team returns much of its nucleus from this season and has high hopes for next season.