Coach Gard and Lucas Rameker Talk Basketball

L-R: Lucas Rameker, Coach Gard, Optimist Daneen Bernhardt, and President Barb Stockhausen

Coach Gard

UW-Platteville Men's Basketball Coach Jeff Gard and Senior Guard/Forward Lucas Rameker were our featured speakers on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Coach Gard is the winningest active WIAC coach, has led the Pioneers to one of the strongest eras in program history, including back-to-back WIAC regular-season and tournament titles, multiple NCAA tournament runs, and a 2023-2024 Elite Eight appearance. He has earned numerous coaching honors such as WIAC Coach of the Year and NABC/D3hoops.com awards. Off the court, Coach Gard is known for servant leadership through Garding Against Cancer and for expanding the student-athlete experience with national and international competition.

Coach explained the team with only one senior and three juniors and just 7 practices into this year's season, is focused on growth. This season's theme "Own It" is encouraging student-athletes to take responsibility not only on the court, but in the classroom and in their community. The team has been active is the surrounding communities by going into classrooms to read to young students and helping at food pantries. Coach Gard thanked the community for their support of the basketball team.

Lucas Rameker, is a 6'3" senior guard/forward from Fond du Lac, who has become a reliable contributor for UW-Platteville, starting nearly every game in 2024-2025 and averaging 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists, earning All-Sportsmanship recognition. A former 1,000-point scorer and all-state honoree in high school, he's continued to grow his impact at the college level while majoring in Supply Chain Management and staying grounded in his love for competition, community, and time spent outdoors with friends and family. His favorite quote is "Why not us".

Lucas joked about running the famous hill for the last time and how his time at UW-Platteville has taught him life skills, the importance of listening, and commitment. Coach Gard praised Lucas for his leadership and work with younger players.

Thank you, Coach Gard and Lucas.