Senior spotlight: Healthy Riley Wayerski has been a key for Pittsville's run this season

PITTSVILLE - Riley Wayerski's football season ended before it really began last year. 

The running back suffered a Lisfranc injury to his right foot during the Panthers preseason scrimmage. He had a torn ligament and three bone fractures in the appendage. He had to have two plates and 10 screws surgically implanted to help hold the foot together and the injury not only sidelined him through the football season, but for the wrestling and baseball seasons as well. 

He was medically cleared to return to workouts early this summer and has been a reason Pittsville is off to a 6-1 start in its first season in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Small Division. 

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Wayerski has rushed for 1,141 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Panthers, who face Almond-Bancroft in a conference game Friday. 

"The best thing you can say about Riley is he is a perfect example of how you should handle an injury," Pittsville coach Mark Denniston said. "Last year he couldn't play but he came to practice every day and worked hard in the weight room. He really supported his team and I think all that hard work and everything had paid off for him this year. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he used that time last year to get better."

Wayerski recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about his return season, how he prepares for a game and some of his future plans, among other topics. 

How do you think last year's injury helped you for this year? Or what did you learn from it?

It was a long year, but once I got hurt, my focus was just getting prepared for (senior) season. 

It's a new season for Pittsville and a new conference, but do you feel this is a new team in general the way you are playing?

We're playing a lot more physical I think this year. A lot of guys spent time in the weight room (in the offseason) getting stronger. We have a lot of strong guys (this year) and that helps a lot.

What has this year been like for the team?

It's been special to our entire team, especially to our seniors. Over the past three years we have had losing records ... and its a lot more fun to win (this year).

What is the top sports memory that sticks out to you?

It goes back to my sophomore year. We played Auburndale on their homecoming and it was just an awesome game.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

In a Legion baseball game my freshman year, I was going for a fly and I missed it and it hit me right in the eye. 

Do you have any rituals you go through before a game or any superstitions?

I listen to country music. It just puts me in a mood, I guess. Before a (football) game I will come out and just walk around the field and kind of take it all in. 

Are there certain teammates you are going to miss from this year's group?

Probably the entire senior class, especially Henry Myers. I have played on the same team with him since the third grade and we share the same passion for football.

Do you know what your plans are next year?

I think I am going to go to UW-Stevens Point for Natural Resources. 

Where is your dream vacation?

Turks and Caicos or Hawaii. 

What is your dream career?

I am thinking of being a forester or a game warden. 

FAVORITES

Sport: Football.

Pro or college athlete: Aaron Rodgers.

Musical artist or group: Country.

Movie: "The Longest Yard."

Meal: Barbecue ribs.