Former Waywayseecappo Wolverines Captain Jake Bestul has committed to play for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) Falcons for the 2019-20 season.
The three-year Wolverine from Hibbing, Minnesota told waywaywolverines.com about his commitment to play NCAA Division III hockey shortly after his official visit on Monday morning.
“Coach Harnett talked to me and said they called and showed some interest,” Bestul said of initially finding out UWRF was interested. “I was at my billets and they called me and I talked to their Head Coach. The next day I got a call from one of their assistants and I’ve been in contact back and forth with them and things went well.”
According to Bestul, it wasn’t a hard decision to make after seeing what both the school and hockey program had to offer.
“I came down for a visit and was sold. They play in one of the best leagues and they just finished building a brand new facility. I checked out the campus and really liked it, I felt at home and I really couldn’t ask for much more.”
In three seasons with the Wolverines, Bestul suited up in 166 regular season games, scoring 28 goals and 36 assists. With a trip to the playoffs in his final season where he scored three goals and two assists in four games, the 21-year-old shared his feelings on his time in Waywayseecappo.
“Every year was a little different. I grew up a lot and really matured there and found what I was looking for in junior hockey. The staff and everyone really treated me well and I’m proud I played in Waywayseecappo. I thank everyone in that organization and in the community.”
As for opening up his college career in Wisconsin this coming fall, Bestul is looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life.
“Coming in you have a new group of guys you get to meet and school, so I’m excited to start a new family there with the team. Hopefully, in my four years, we’ll win a national championship, that’s my goal,” Jake concluded.
Jake plans to major in biology with his sights set on becoming a physician assistant. There will also be a familiar face suiting up with the Falcons this fall as former Wolverine and billet brother Brady Pupp committed to play for the UWRV Falcons earlier this season.