Nebraska, ex-Mich. State punters die in crash
A.J. Perez @byajperez USA TODAY Sports
University of Nebraska punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler were killed in a single-car traffic accident Saturday.
Foltz, 22, and Sadler, 24, were traveling back from a football camp near Waukesha, Wis., the University of Nebraska confirmed in a news release. Sadler, who was driving, and Foltz were pronounced dead at the scene.
LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye, 21, who was a passenger in the back seat, was taken to Waukesha Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Waukesha County Sheriff ’s Department spokeswoman Jennifer Wallschlaeger told USA TODAY Sports. Delahoussaye was released from the hospital and was at home, LSU confirmed in a statement.
The Waukesha County Sheriff ’s Department said in a statement that its officers along with responders from other area agencies responded to a single-car accident in the town of Merton at 11:43 p.m. Saturday.
“Upon investigation it was de- termined that the vehicle was traveling westbound on Beaver Lake Road, lost control on the wet pavement, left the roadway and struck a tree,” Lt. Thom Moerman of the Waukesha County Sheriff ’s Department said in the statement. “Speed appears to be a factor in the traffic crash.”
Wallschlaeger said there were no signs of alcohol at the scene. She added that toxicology would be part of the medical examinations that will be conducted.
Foltz was a three-year starter for the Nebraska team, and last year he was named the Big Ten’s punter of the year. Foltz graduated from Nebraska with a degree in agronomy in May.
He led the Big Ten in punting last year at 44.2 yards per kick and ranked fifth in school history (42.6).
“Last night, we lost one of the best young men who I have ever had the honor to coach and who has ever worn the Nebraska uniform,” Nebraska coach Mike Riley said in a statement. “Sam was universally loved and respected by everyone he touched and on whom he had a positive influence each and every day. His tragic loss is immeasurable to his family, his friends, his classmates, his teammates and his coaches, and our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. The young men in our football program are hurting, but I know that their strength of character and resolve will bring us together and we will honor Sam every day moving forward.”
A contingent from Nebraska — which included Riley and football players Tommy Armstrong, Josh Banderas and Jordan Westerkamp — will not take part in the Big Ten Conference’s media days in Chicago on Tuesday, the Cornhuskers said in a news release.
Foltz, Sadler and Delahoussaye were serving as staff at the Kohl’s National Invitational Scholarship Camp for high school kickers and punters at Kettle Moraine High School in Wales.
“Sam and Mike each had amazing careers as student-athletes in the Big Ten Conference, but more importantly they were tremendous men off the field,” Jamie Kohl, director of the camp, said in a statement. “We are so grateful for the opportunity we have had to know these men and their families.”
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio tweeted condolences: “He gave us all so much in so little time. Our thoughts & prayers are with him & his family.”
Sadler was a four-year starter at Michigan State from 2011 to 2014. He was the first four-time academic All-American in school history. In 2014 he was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy for the country’s top scholar-athlete.
Sadler was popular on social media, known for his humor.
LSU coach Les Miles said in a statement: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Sam Foltz and Mike Sadler. We grieve for them. This isn’t supposed to happen to young people who have so much to live for. We are so thankful that Colby will be able to return home to his family and friends.”