In late July, University of Nebraska punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler were killed in a car wreck while returning from a kicking camp in Wisconsin. The sheriff’s department said the car, driven by Sadler, lost control on the wet pavement and struck a tree.
Saturday night, the Nebraska football team played their first game of the season against Fresno State and honored Foltz during their first punt. The special team unit lined up in a missing-man formation, bringing out 10 players and leaving the area where the punter would be blank. Everyone in Memorial Stadium rose to their feet and cheered loudly.
CSN Mid-Atlantic’s Joe Beninati was doing the play-by-play of the game tonight for BTN. He captured the moment beautifully.
Here’s Joe B’s commentary.
[adinserter name=”nation-ad”]And we led at the top of our telecast, the Huskers were mourning the tragic loss of punter Sam Foltz. As you see they line up here, a poignant reminder of how fragile life can be. How a dear teammate will never be forgotten. With points toward the sky, one man short in the formation but he will forever be in the hearts and minds of Husker fans.
Sam Foltz, he tragically lost his life July 23rd. Mike Sadler, formerly the punter at Michigan State, also perished in that automobile accident. SF27 – you can see it throughout the stands, it’s on the helmet decals. Now the Huskers welcome a true freshman to the special teams family. There’s Drew Brown, the place kicker for Nebraska, such a close friend of Sam Foltz. The Huskers sent Caleb Lightborne from Washington State to kick his first punt.
We talk a lot about how Joe Beninati is one of the best commentators in the business. We don’t say that because we’re homers. Beninati’s preparation, intelligence, and knack for saying the right thing at the right time really showed through tonight. And he did it in a sport, that’s secondary to the one he covers. We sincerely are lucky to have him.
Thanks to @CTRSteve for the heads up.
