Waupaca native played in 42 games

By Greg Seubert

Zander Neuville’s final season of college football is over before it started.

The 2014 Waupaca High School graduate, who recently received an extra year of eligibility at the University of Wisconsin, announced on his Twitter account Sept. 11 that an injury has ended his football career with the Badgers.

Neuville joined the Badgers as a walk-on in 2014 and started out as a defensive end before switching to tight end in 2016. He earned a scholarship before the 2015 season and played in 42 games for the Badgers and caught 10 passes for 84 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Season-ending injuries are nothing new to Neuville. His 2017 and 2018 seasons ended with ligament tears to his right and left knee, respectively.

“Unfortunately, I have sustained another injury, one that means an end to my football career,” he wrote. “While this is disappointing, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had this year and throughout my time at Wisconsin.”

The Badgers added Neuville to their 2019 roster in August and he was in the process of working his way back into playing shape. He did not appear in either of Wisconsin’s first two games against Southern Florida and Central Michigan and did not reveal the nature of the most recent injury.

Neuville was hoping to join the team in time for the Badgers’ Big 10 Conference opener against Michigan Saturday, Sept. 21, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

Closing the books on football

“Although I will be closing the book on football, I am excited to pursue my other passion by beginning medical school next fall,” he wrote. “For now, I am excited to watch our team have a special season this year.”

Neuville was part of UW’s 2018 senior class that went 42-12, including a 27-8 record in Big 10 play and a 4-0 record in bowl games.

He graduated with a degree in biology in December 2018 and is pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis, according to his UW biography.

Neuville thanked UW head coach Paul Chryst and tight ends coach Mickey Turner for the opportunity to play for the Badgers.

“Thank you to the athletic trainers, strength coaches and support staff that have helped me throughout my career,” he wrote. “I have so many great memories and have made lifelong friends because of this program. Lastly, thank you to my family members, Badger fans and my hometown of Waupaca for the constant support.”