Middle Linebacker/Flanker/Punt and Kick Returner: 1966-1968
Pat Kneeland was a 2 way starter as a sophomore, he played Monster linebacker on defense and emerged as a scoring threat playing Flanker in Mineral Point's pro-set offense during the 1966 season. He helped the team to a 4-3-1 record by catching 15 passes for 198 yards and 6 touchdowns.
In his junior year, he caught 13 passes for 259 yards for a 19.9 average per catch. During that junior year however, Pat, the Middle Linebacker was the centerpiece of the very tough defense that led Mineral Point to the 1967 Southwest Athletic League title with a 7-1 record. The season was marked by low-scoring, defensive struggles, in which the Pointers prevailed. Pat set the tone for the season in the very first game against league favorite Lancaster. On one of the first plays from scrimmage, Pat met Lancaster's big back Morehouse in the hole and stuffed him for a loss. Both players were slow to get up, but Pat got up first and continued to play. Morehouse was helped off the field and was never the same. Late in the fourth quarter, Mineral Point trailed 7-4, after the defense scored twice on safeties. The Pointers rallied late, Pat caught a pass for a dramatic game winning touchdown as Mineral Point came from behind to win 10-7. Pat finished the game with 23 tackles, one interception and three fumble recoveries. Later in the season, he blocked an extra point to preserve a 20-19 win against Mt. Horeb. In the defining game of the season against Platteville, Mineral Point's Homecoming game, Pat made a tackle in the end zone, scoring a safety to give Mineral Point a 2-0 lead. Late in the game, Pat ran down a break-away Platteville runner, catching him at the 3 yard-line. The defense then made a goal-line stand to preserve the "Defensive Coach's Dream" and win 2-0.
During his senior season in 1968, Pat led the team in tackles, interceptions and receptions. The Pointers were beset by a series of injuries and were unable to repeat as champions, but finished 5-3.
He is now employed at Aring Equipment Co., Milwaukee WI, where he has been a construction equipment salesman for the past 27 years. He is semi retired. He married Sue Van Wagenen, a cheerleader for Mineral Point. Pat and Sue now live in Grafton, Wisconsin. They have three children Susan (Todd Bennett), Jon (Andi), and Krissi. Two Grandsons, Jake and Bo Bennett.
Pat was honored and very humbled by being elected to the Hall of Fame, having "a lot of good memories of his fellow teammates and his football career at MPHS. The 1967 Conference Championship Season being the crowning moment in his career, with an unforgettable team that overachieved every week."
- Three Year Letter Winner: 1966, 1967, & 1968
- Captain: 1968
- Varsity Wins: 16
- All-Conference Offensive End: 1967 & 1968
- All-Conference Linebacker: 1967 & 1968
- Team MVP: 1968
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