South Milwaukee Native Gottwald Named All-State for UW-Whitewater Men's Soccer

2014 Dec 19

John Gottwald, a Chemistry major and member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men's soccer team, was named to the 2014 Nationals Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Wisconsin State Team.

Senior John Gottwald (South Milwaukee, Wis./South Milwaukee) led the way earning Sportsman of the Year honors to go along with his first team selection. Joining Gottwald on first team were senior Ryan Reid (Rockton, Ill./Hononegah) and junior Sam Novak (Milton, Wis./Milton). Senior Josh Rohde (Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha West) was named honorable mention.

For the All-State teams, the placements are a function of: 1. All-Region voting from the North and Central Region-main criteria 2. Individual coach nominations and preferences 3. All-Conference team priority 4. Strength of schedule vs. W/L performances

The Warhawks finished the 2014 season with a 14-5-4 overall record and earned their first NCAA tournament appearance in three seasons. The Warhawks advanced to the second round before losing to eventual semifinalist Wheaton College.

Gottwald is appearing on the All-State team for the second time in his career, but first as Sportsman of the Year. He led the team and finished second in the conference with 25 points on the season. The first team All-WIAC and third team All-North Region pick tallied seven goals, good for sixth in the league, and a conference-best 11 assists. Gottwald, a two-time All-WIAC selection, ranked among the league's top five in goals and points.

For the second time in his career Reid has earned All-State recognition. A second team all-conference and all-region selection, Reid led the team and tied for third in the WIAC with nine goals. He finished with 18 points and three game-winning goals to finish among league leaders in both categories. The three-time all-conference selection was named WIAC Defensive Player of the Week twice during the season.

Novak, a speedy midfielder, is making his third appearance on the All-State team. This season the second team all-conference selection finished third on the team with 15 points, including four goals and seven assists. He ranked among the WIAC's top 10 in all three categories. He also earned WIAC Offensive Player of the Week honors after posting the game-winning goal in the Warhawks' 1-0 double overtime victory over Chicago on Oct. 25 at Fiskum Field.

Rohde, a goalkeeper, is making his first appearance on the All-State team. Rohde started in 17 of the 19 matches he appeared in, posting an 11-3-3 record with a league-best 6.2 shutouts. He also paced the conference in save percentage (.815) and tallied a 0.95 goals against average and 66 saves.