Three-time national qualifier and 2007 All-American wrestler Ryan Higgins was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated during the early morning hours of April 8. Higgins, 21, of Oconomowoc, was seen driving his moped at a high rate of speed down North Second Street with Adam Karls, 23, of Pardeeville.

Higgins and Karls, a former UW-Platteville wrestler, were stopped and cited on OMVI and improper stop sign charges. The two were sighted racing their mopeds down North Second Street and when they approached the stop sign at Furnace Street they were sighted by the Platteville police. The two are due in court on May 12.

According to the UW-P student-athlete code of conduct, Higgins could face possible sanctions from the athletic deparment. In the agreement all athletes must sign prior to participating in Pioneer athletics, “failure of the student-athlete to comply and adhere to these standards of conduct, either on or off campus, could result in one or more of the following sanctions imposed by the Head Coach or Athletic Department in addition to any sanctions imposed by campus or legal authorities.”

Higgins faces possible suspension from contests or possibly a dismissal from the team. Any punishments that are levied against him are subject to the approval of the athletic director and head coach Chris Walter.

Higgins, who will be a senior during the 2008-09 season, finished last season with a 26-10 record and advanced to the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships where he lost both of his matches.

Higgins is expected to contend for both WIAC and NCAA championships in his senior season for the Pioneers.

For the complete police report see page 2.