It was Husker Fan Day on Wednesday and the first pre-season press conference. The sudden and tragic death of punter Sam Foltz broke many hearts and players and coaches. Going into this season they have a loss of a teammate in the back of their minds.
“It is going to be tough, it will hit me tomorrow at our first practice when Sam isn't there tomorrow not warming up with us,” said junior kicker Drew Brown.
“Last week was a rough week, not only for myself, but the team, and we have to make sure we take it the right way and handling the situation and play like he is here,” said senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong.
Foltz’s teammates said it’s been a tough loss for everyone, but they have to use his death in the way he would want them to.
“We are going to use it as much motivation as we can and honor Sam and honor his life, it is hard for all of us and his family and we will do as much as we can to honor him this season,” said senior wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp.
Coach Riley Described Foltz as they heart and soul of the team. He said losing a player like Foltz will affect everyone in different ways, but for him, he is taking Foltz’s positive outlook on life into this season.
“My personal advice to myself is do it like he did it, enjoy it like he did,” said Riley.
The Huskers said there will be several ways they honor Foltz this year. Riley said the team is saving his locker and putting his number 27 on every helmet.
