Bio: Petkovsek, Ed (UW, Eau Claire Most Valuable Player – 1972)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Petkovsek, Walker, Luedtke, Sullivan, Negus, Tepler, Bauer, Roesch

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 23 Nov 1972

Three-year starting full back, Ed Petkovsek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Petkovsek, Willard (Clark Co., Wis.), and a Greenwood High School Graduate, has been named most valuable player on the U.W., Eau Claire football team for 1972.

Petkovsek, 5-11, 225 pound senior, is the first back to win the honor since quarterback Jim Van Gorden was the MVP in 1964.

Petkovsek was named the most valuable on offense and won the team award over sophomore defensive tackle, Len Luedtke, who was the most valuable on defense, despite missing the last four games with an injury.

Senior safety Jim Sullivan from Chippewa Falls and senior offensive guard, Fred Negus, from Fond du Lac, were named honorary co-captains for the season.

Petkovsek was the leading rusher on the squad this year with 503 years in 138 attempts, for a 3.6 per carry average, and a 50.3 per game average. He has a career high of 112 yards in 28 attempts against Platteville. Petkovsek finished sixth in the conference in rushing.

Coach Link Walker tabbed Petkovsek as "the best blocking back in the conference." His blocking helped open holes for the likes of Gary Tepler, the school's all-time leading rushers with 1,937 years; Tom Bauer, who is the second leading rusher with 1,775 yards; and Joel Roesch, who has gained 761 years in two seasons.

Walter called him "a real team man who concentrates on wining and not personal records." He also says Petkovsek is "a modest kid who leads by his actions."

While his strength was blocking, Petkovsek was a capable runner, starting 30 straight games at full back, and gaining 1,119 yards. He scored six touchdowns during his career.

Ed also received Honorable Mention on the Wisconsin state University Conference All-Conference Team.