Fritz Waldvogel up for Gagliardi Trophy
December 1, 2011 by admin
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Editor’s Note:
The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the top college football player in Division 1. Division 3′s answer to the Heisman is the Gagliardi Trophy, named for St. John’s coaching legend John Gagliardi. Our vote for the Gagliardi Trophy winner this year is University of St. Thomas’ star wide-receiver, kick-off returner, punt returner, Fritz Waldvogel. Waldvogel has re-written the record books at St. Thomas for career, all-purpose yards, receiving yards, receiving TDs, kick-off return yards and TDs, punt return yards and TDs, and more. He’s a 2-time winner of the Most Valuable Player award in the MIAC. At 5’9″ tall and 170 pounds, he frequently proves that the smallest player on the field can have the biggest impact. Quick to give credit to teammates and coaches, Waldvogel has had another great year to cap a stellar career at St. Thomas.
The Gagliardi Trophy is partially decided by fan vote. You can vote for Fritz Waldvogel at the D3Football.com site. Read more about Fritz in an article we published earlier on SportsFeelGoodStories.com below. Be sure to check out Fritz’s play in high school in the video below.
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At 5’2” tall and 105 pounds, Fritz Waldvogel did not strike an imposing figure as a freshman football player at St. Thomas Academy, an all-boys high school in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Assigned to play wide receiver with a team that focused on running the ball, Fritz saw very few balls thrown his way. By the tail end of the season, Fritz shifted over to the defensive backfield in an attempt to see more action. While more involved, playing defense wasn’t Fritz’s first love. When the season came to an end, Fritz was faced with a decision to make.
“I encouraged him to not go out for football to give him time to focus on basketball – a sport that I knew he was pretty good at – but Fritz wanted to give it one more shot,” said Jim Waldvogel, Fritz’s dad.
“I thought about running cross-country, but I felt like I had something to prove yet in football,” noted Fritz, “I use my size as motivation for my off-season workouts, and sometimes, to prove people wrong. In football, my size can also be an asset – I have to look at it that way.”
While finding time to play basketball and run track, Fritz prepared hard for the next football season. Having grown a few inches and added some weight, Fritz made an impression at practices and saw some action in varsity games. As a junior, he started in a scat back role, where he frequently lined up in a slot position to catch passes or run the ball. He also returned kicks and punts.
The player who didn’t get the ball thrown his way on the freshman team was now a focal point of the varsity offense. Over his junior and senior years, at 5’8” tall and 155 pounds, Fritz averaged over 10 yards per carry, and rushed for nearly 700 yards his senior year. He was the team leader in receptions and set school records for punt and kick-off returns for touchdowns. He led his team to to the state championship game and was recognized with All-State honors as a punt returner his senior year. As a junior point guard for the basketball team, he also earned All-State honors and led St. Thomas Academy to a State Championship.
Fritz Waldvogel High School Football Highlights
Initially intent on attending Holy Cross to play football with a high school friend, Frtiz was persuaded to attend the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul by their new, charismatic football coach Glenn Caruso. Caruso inherited a football team that in 2007 had won only 2 games. With Caruso at the helm, an influx of new talent, and with 
Fritz a triple threat at receiver, kick returner and punt returner; the Tommies turned around their football fortunes and finished 7 & 3 Fritz’s freshman year.
Having grown to 5’9” and 170 pounds, Fritz enjoyed an incredible sophomore year. He led all NCAA divisions with 6 punt returns and kick-off returns for touchdowns. He was also well on his way to setting the school record for pass receptions (currently, he’s tied for the record). He was selected a first team All-American and was selected the MIAC conference Player of the Year, the first time a sophomore had won the award. St. Thomas’ record improved to 11 & 2 and they made it to the quarterfinals of the Division III National Championship. This past season, St. Thomas won the conference and finished 12 & 1. In their only loss of the year, Waldvogel was injured on the Tommies second possession — it’s the only game where he’s missed action due to injury in his college career.
St. Thomas’ football team, under Caruso’s reign has gone 30 & 6. Caruso notes, “The interesting thing about the success of the program is that it corresponds directly with Fritz’s success. We’ve won more games through our minds and hearts than through our arms and legs — and Fritz embodies this quality.”
With one year remaining to play college football, it’s a safe bet that Waldvogel will own most St. Thomas’ records in receiving, kick-off returns and punt returns. “The most exciting play in the game for me is the punt return,” Waldvogel says, “ There’s no script. The only thing I’m instructed to do is to catch every ball, and from there, I can do what I want. After I catch it, it’s pretty much run for your life.”
Waldvogel shares a house with 3 friends that is situated directly across from the University’s library. Apparently, he’s finding time to make frequent visits as he carries a 3.56 grade point average in finance. Possessing a love of the game and a mile-wide competitive streak, Waldvogel admits, “I really hate to lose.” Modest about his individual achievements, Waldvogel is justifiably proud of his team accomplishments in college football and high school basketball.
The success of New England Patriots’ wide receiver Wes Welker and running back Danny Woodhead has likely opened the eyes of NFL talent evaluators again to the fact that smaller-sized players can make a big impact. A future in football after college is of interest to Waldvogel, but for now, he’s focused on St. Thomas football, and like many college juniors, he’s busy with his classes and seeking a summer internship.
Caruso, the 2010 National Coach of the Year in Division III, sums up Waldvogel’s football abilities like this, ““At 5’ 9” and 170 pounds, you don’t put stock in his measurables, but in his immeasurables. The beauty of Fritz is his attitude and mental toughness.”
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Photo Credits: Mike Ekern & Thomas Whisenand, University of St. Thomas
Green Bay Packer Fan’s Loyalty Saves a Life — His Own
November 19, 2011 by admin
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Citizens of Green Bay, Wisconsin have a special relationship with their team. As the smallest city to host an NFL franchise, the intensity of their team loyalty runs deep. A visitor to a church in Green Bay on a Sunday might see half the congregation sporting Packer wearables — and, that’s in the summer time. While the Packers have given their supporters plenty to cheer about in recent years, there was a dry spell. Even when the team struggled, the loyalty of its true fans never wavered.
ESPN’s Rick Reilly profiles one of these super Packer fans, Jim Becker, in the inspirational story, “Packers’ Lifeblood,” below. Becker, a father of 11 children, gave blood to help pay for his Packer season tickets. By giving blood, it helped save his life.
“Packers’ Lifeblood” ESPN & Rick Reilly
Justin Bieber and Usher: one-on-one basketball
October 28, 2011 by admin
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From Ice Cube to George Clooney, celebrity basketball players are plentiful. Heck, even President Barack Obama can’t seem to go too long without finding a pick-up game with government employees.
Perhaps the celebrity who is making the most noise on the basketball court is Justin Bieber. Born in Canada, Bieber grew up playing hockey, but seems to have a natural knack for basketball. On the celebrity circuit, his game is frequently compared to fellow country man, Steve Nash.
In the last NBA All-Star Celebrity game, Bieber walked away with MVP honors in a losing effort. He had eight points, four assists and two rebounds. Bieber showed some nifty crossover moves to create his shot and assist teammates. At a charity basketball game in September, Bieber’s team beat Ludacris’ team by staging a late rally. He’s posted video of himself shooting baskets with gal pal Selena Gomez cheering him on.
Like Michael Jordan, Justin Bieber seems to have “the love of the game” down pat.
Justin Bieber vs. Usher in one-on-one
Youth Basketball Coaching Special: Save time, reduce stress and get the most from your team. 30 complete practice plans for the season, an award certificate maker, coaching forms, and more! Go to www.coachingwhiz.com
Aaron Rodgers: Commercial Pitchman
October 26, 2011 by admin
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With Aaron Rodgers ascent to being regarded by many as the top quarterback in the NFL, more commercial opportunities are coming his way. While watching the Packers play the Vikings last week in Wisconsin, Rodgers could be seen in commercials for Ford Truck, Associated Bank and State Farm Insurance.
The Associated Bank ad campaign features a sweepstakes with the winning prize being the opportunity to spend one hour with Aaron Rodgers. Customers opening a checking account at Associated Bank receive an Aaron Rodgers bobblehead, poster and checkbook cover.
Much like his performance on the field, Rodgers seems to be a quick study. The State Farm Insurance commercial is particularly effective. Rodgers’ likeability shines with the support of some good casting and writing.
Much like the grandmaster of sports pitchmen Peyton Manning, Rodgers seems to have a knack for being in front of the camera even when he’s not on the football field. You have to think the ESPN advertising folks are planning some Aaron Rodgers appearances in their clever ads.
Aaron Rodgers in State Farm commercial
Aaron Rodgers in Associated Bank commercial
Ford commercial featuring Aaron Rodgers
Peyton Manning in Sprint commercial
Aaron Rodgers on Ellen DeGeneres
Ready to Play: A true story about God and Baseball.
October 14, 2011 by admin
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My son’s birth was a far from stress free. When my wife went into labor and my son’s head was peaking out, the doctor, who induced my wife hours before, was nowhere to be found. The nurses tried to remain calm, but I could tell that they were a bit concerned. After repeated calls to the doctor failed, one nurse called for an ER doctor as the other nurse gave my wife instructions. My son was halfway out when my wife’s doctor finally arrived for the final push.
The nurses cleaned my son, preformed the post birth Apgar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apgar_score) tests, wrapped my son in a blanket and handed him to my wife. My son passed the Apgar. My wife and I enjoyed our son’s first couple of hours and life was good. At 11pm, a nurse came into the room and asked if we wanted to have the baby sleep in the nursery or in our room with us. We were exhausted but we didn’t want our son to spend his first night alone. The nurse took our son for a routine check up before bedtime and said she would be back quickly. The check up was far from quick. After an hour, I called down to the nurses station to remind them that we wanted our son to sleep with us.
Moments later, a big doctor came into our room and told us that our son had a serious heart defect and that he was sorry. It was the kind of sorry that lacked any glimmer of hope at all. The doctor then informed us that our son needed to be rushed to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. My wife and I sat on the side of the bed holding each other dumbfounded and sad.
A few minutes later, the transport staff wheeled my son, who was inside an incubator, into our room so my wife could say goodbye. My wife wondered if it was going to be a final goodbye. After a tough labor, my wife was in no condition to leave the hospital, so I had to follow my new born son alone. Leaving my wife when she needed me most was one of the most heart wrenching things I’ve ever done. As I was walking out the door, my wife struggled to say words I will never forget. She said, “He will never get to play baseball.” Tears filled my eyes as those words echoed in my head.
We found out that we were having a boy twenty weeks into the pregnancy at the ultrasound appointment. From that moment on, I couldn’t wait to teach my son how to play baseball, my favorite sport. I looked forward to buying him a baseball glove and I planned on making him a lefty hitter even if he were right handed. Those dreams seemed to be shattered.
At about 1 am, I left my wife’s side and walked in silence down empty hospital hallways toward the exit to the garage. I found my car and started to drive. Though tear filled eyes, I struggled to see the directional signs that would lead me out of the parking garage . I eventually found the meeting place and parked behind the ambulance that would to take my son to Children’s Hospital. The night was eerily dark and quiet. I could hear my heart beating as I sat in silence waiting for the journey to begin. The ambulance started to roll and the red lights started flash but there were no sirens. To kill the depressing silence, I reached for the radio knob and turned on the FOX, a classic radio station.
Well, beat the drum and hold the phone – the sun came out today!
We’re born again, there’s new grass on the field.
A-roundin’ third, and headed for home, it’s a brown-eyed handsome man;
Anyone can understand the way I feel.
Oh, put me in, Coach – I’m ready to play today;
Put me in, Coach – I’m ready to play today;
Look at me, I can be Centerfield…
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Editor’s Note: Fran’s son went on to play baseball and several other sports. A recent quote from Fran’s StatsDad blog, “Today is the 285th day of the year and my two kids have played in 236 games and participated in 137 practices. That’s 373 youth sports events in 285 days.”
Fran Dicari is the over-scheduled father of over-scheduled athletic kids and author of the youth sports blog StatsDad.com. He’s a coach, a scorekeeper and an amateur sports photographer. He’s also an executive and partner at Barefoot Proximity, the digital marketing agency that created ManoftheHouse.com and Coachhub.com.
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Runner’s Heroic Act of Sportsmanship
September 24, 2011 by admin
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While running in a 5k cross-country race, Andover High School (MN) runner Josh Ripley heard Lakeville South runner Mark Paulauskas screams and knew something needed to be done. While other runners whisked by, Ripley stopped and asked Paulauskas if he could help.
Noticing that Paulauskas had been spiked by another runner and bleeding profusely, the 6’5″ Ripley picked up the wounded runner and ran back a half a mile to the race’s start to bring him to his coach and parents for aid.
“I didn’t think about my race — I knew I needed to stop and help him,” Josh said. “It was something I would expect my other teammates to do. I’m nothing special; I was just in the right place at the right time.”
“I was stunned and so proud of the sportsmanship and kindness he showed to our runner who was injured,” said Jessica Just, the Lakeville South team’s coach. “The family, our Lakeville South coaching staff and our whole team were so thankful and appreciative of Josh’s act of kindness and selflessness to a rival competitor.”
Paulauskas was immediately taken to a hospital where he received more than 20 stitches to close the wound and a walking cast.
As for Ripley, he opted to finish the race. Extending the 3.2 mile race another mile — 1/2 a mile to and fro — didn’t do much for his time, but most would agree that Ripley was undoubtedly a big winner for his heroic action. A great inspirational story!
CBS Video
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