FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Ralph Turner]

Pro Days do not cost the school anything.  The only thing that could possibly be a charge would be if the facility needs to be rented out but the school usually doesn't charge the athletes for that.  As far as going to other schools pro day.  You need to go to that school or you need to have lived there in that city.  Athletes usually put down there parents address when they tell teams where they are from.  Lastly, why is there all this negative talk about D3 athletes having a pro day or having a shot to enter the NFL.  If this is a D3 community we should be happy about any athlete whether they are from UWW or Mount Union or St. Johns having a pro day or a shot.  I think its cool all these D3 kids are getting a shot!  More exposure for us!

In memoriam...  

[Englebert]

I received the call this morning at 6:30AM from Matts brother informing me on what had happened to him.  I thought for sure I was still dreaming, and this was just a horrible nightmare.  However, it wasn't long before reality set in and realized that I had lost my very best friend.  For you guys that weren't blessed enough to meet Matt, he was the most amazing person on this earth.  He was a hard worker, he was loyal, he was tough, and he was the best friend a guy could ever ask for.  I have been best friends with Matt ever since the 8th grade and have learned so much from him through out the years.  He cared deeply about everyone and would do anything possible to make his friends and family happy.  I remember like yesterday when I was involved in my car accident three years ago, Matt's voice was the first I heard from my hospital bed when I awoke from surgery.. He had called my hospital room and told me he was coming to visit me and didn't care that he was going to miss his football game on that Saturday.  I had to talk him into staying and playing rather than driving 5 hours to visit me in the hospital.  Thats the kind of guy and friend he was.  He cared deeply about football however it didn't even come close to matching his passion and loyalty for his friends.  Having talked to him two days ago, Matt was very excited about his next opportunity to play football with the Destroyers.  Matt felt good, and was determined to make the team and continue playing the game he so loved!! I'm so sorry that he never got the chance to live out his dream!!  But Matt, I know you are still with me, and I know you have always been one of the few people out there that has always believed in me and thought that I could play beyond college.  I remember like it was just yesterday when we were in high school talking about how it was our goal to play in the NFL together.  Well Pags, I want you to know that I am going to give it everything I possibly have to allow you to live your dream through me.  Everything I do in my life from here out, is dedicated to you big guy!! much love!! Your boy will always have a special place for you in his heart!!

[chmarx]

a real tragedy.

There was a moment of silence in is honor before the beginning of the basketball game with Platteville tonight at Mitchell Hall.

[footballfan413]

Just logged on and read this news.  I am blown away by this tragedy and especially the irony of an incredible young man losing his life on the way to achiving the pinnacle of, what must have been, a life-long dream to play pro football.  My deepest sympathies to Matt's family and friends and to the UW-L community.   

[BDB]

Excellent post #5.

I only knew Matt from watching him play football. He put up something like +200 on the Blue Devils his senior year.

Sounds like he was a better person than he was a football player.

And that's saying a lot.

Deep condolences to all that had the privilege of knowing him.

[Just Bill]

From the La Crosse Tribune:

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2007/02/08/sports/pagel.txt

From the Columbus Dispatch:

http://www.dispatch.com/destroyers/destroyers.php?story=245516

[footballfan413]

Thanks for the links, Bill.  I see now from the article that Matt had already been enjoying success at the pro football level.  Again, my thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him.

[Rico 21]

Condolences to Matt Pagel's family and friends.  Sounds like a great individual who touched many...

[UWPSUPERFAN77]

God Bless Matt, all who love him,and all who knew him as  a good person and player.  God bless all the posters on this site. It has been hearbreking reading this!

[badgerwarhawk]

Very, very sad news.  My sympathies to the Pagel family. 


Regarding the WHITEWATER "Pro Day." 

At the present time no "Pro Day" is scheduled at UW-W.  Coach Brezeowitz is seeking permission from Coach Bielema for two players, Stanley and Schmidt, to attend the UW's pro day but had to wait until after the national signing day to request it.  That was yesterday.  If, for some reason, Coach Bielema were to decline the request WW would make arrangements for a workout on campus.   But the two coaches have an excellent relationship and it's expected that the two players will participate in Madison.

[Sakman 1111]

Forgot yesterday to offer congrats to Warhawk #2 for All-American honors for both football and track.....good luck with the pro workouts.....

[Warhawk 96]

My condolences to Matt Pagel's family and friends. I had the pleasure of competing against him in two sports. He was a serious athlete and I never heard anything bad about his character. He will be missed.

[chmarx]

I didn't know him, but the La Crosse community is reeling from these two young athletes' deaths.

[K-Mack]

UW-Stout gets some mention (not favorable, and not sure it's chock full of new news) in today's USA Today.

FYI.

[janesvilleflash]

is there a link to the story?