Paul Reit, from Stanley, Wisc., is not just any junior civil engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, he is also the wide receiver for the Pioneer football team.

“I could not go a fall without football,” Reit said

The Pioneers defeated University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 40-10 on Oct. 6. In the victory, Reit set a university record and tied the WIAC single-game record with 18 catches, finishing the game with 167 yards and two touchdowns. Reit tied the conference record with University of Wisconsin-River Falls’ Michael Zweifel (Nov. 3, 2007) and University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Tim Mowery (1981).

“(Reit) is a great young man who came in as a quarterback who moved to wide receiver,” head coach Mike Emendorfer said. Reit took a year off of football his freshman year to train for his new position.

Reit said he had to work on his footwork to run the plays and get stronger as well. Reit came in to UW-Platteville weighing 190 lbs. and now is at 210 on his six-foot-five-inch frame.

“He can take tough hits and can still catch the ball. His height helps too,” said Coach Emendorfer.

“He is deceivingly athletic. (Reit) is tall and lengthy, but is one of our best athletes out there who can get moved around a lot on the field but can still perform,” offensive coordinator Ryan Munz said.

After taking the year off to transition to wide receiver, Reit started in five games in 2011 and has started each game in the current season.

“Being a former quarterback has helped (Reit); he knows his offense. He can see the big picture and knows how to understand the quarterback while running,” Munz said.

Reit started playing football in fifth grade. He was inspired by former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre as well as his older brother who helped him learn the game.

Reit’s skill on the field and attitude off it add to his value on the Pioneers roster.

“(Reit) always has an up-beat mood with a smile on his face. He never has anything negative to say, with a great attitude to life and academics,” Emendorfer said.

“I enjoy being around the guys, they are a great group. I have made great friends through the team,” Reit said.