Waldorf’s Wilke earns Player of the Week honors for second week straight

Dustin Wilke attemptes a field goal. Photo by Preston Landon

By Preston Landon

For two weeks in a row, Waldorf College kicker and punter Dustin Wilke has been named the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Special Teams Player of the Week.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s satisfying,” said the junior from Holzgerlingen, Germany. “Its just nice to see other people appreciate when you do what you are supposed to do.”

This season Wilke has nailed field goals from 28, 30, 31, 32, 36, and 44 yards, respectively, and is a perfect 9-for-9 on point-after attempts (PATs). He also has averages of 58.3 yards per kickoff and 36.6 yards per punt.

“Field goal is more interactive, while punting is just you and the long snapper,” said Wilke, who says he gets more excited about punting than anything else.

Last year, Wilke earned Player of the Week honors once the entire season. “Special teams doesn’t always get much appreciation,” said Wilke, who was named second team all-conference last season.

Wilke’s longest field goal with Waldorf was 52 yards in a conference game last season against Valley City State University. “That was my longest in the United States,” said Wilke, “My longest field goal ever in a game was 62 yards, in Germany.”

It isn’t often that a kicker is one of the best players on a collegiate football team, but for the Warriors, that’s exactly what Wilke is.

“I wouldn’t consider myself the best player, its just considered that because of the recognition I have gotten,” he said.

Despite his recent success, Wilke continues to remain humble, and says that his only goal is to stay healthy and help the team out as much as possible. “Hopefully we will win more games and overcome adversity better than last year.

Wilke expects the team to get closer and become more dedicated to the game as the season goes on. This Saturday, when the Warriors hit the road to take on NCAA Division III in-state foe Buena Vista University, Wilke will be ready.

“I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do.”