EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Several thousand people gathered at Spartan Stadium on Sunday afternoon to memorialize former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler, who died in a car accident last week.
Sadler's mother and sister addressed the fans, family and former teammates who came to campus for the two-hour ceremony. Head coach Mark Dantonio, athletic director Mark Hollis and former teammates Connor Cook, Darqeuze Dennard and Travis Jackson also shared stories about Sadler's life and the impact he had on others.
"Mike was no ordinary guy and this is no ordinary funeral," said Karen Sadler, Mike's mother. "It's extraordinary. It's an incredible celebration of an extraordinary life."
Sadler, 24, died in a single-car accident along with Nebraska punter Sam Foltz last Saturday night in Wisconsin. LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye was also in the car and was treated for minor injuries. Police said rainy weather and speed may have been factors in the crash.
Sadler was an All-American punter and a four-time Academic All-American during his time with the Spartans. Dantonio said that Sadler would also have wanted him to mention that the punter averaged 18.5 yards per carry on several fake punts and field goals.
Michigan State teammates and friends from earlier parts in Sadler's life remembered his wit and bright personality by sharing memories of his practical jokes, wardrobe choices and self-appointed Heisman campaign. Sadler's sister, Katie, told stories about the Speedo swimsuit he wore to a high school career fair and the time he changed the clocks in her room to convince her she was late for school -- at 3:30 in the morning.
Jamie Kohl, who ran the Wisconsin kicking camp and worked with Sadler for several years, was one of several speakers who noted Sadler's ability to accomplish a great deal during a relatively short life.
"It was time incredibly well spent," Kohl said. "It was time that mattered."
Sadler planned to attend Stanford law school this fall. The university plans to set up a scholarship fund in his memory. Michigan State has already started an endowment in Sadler's name to fund one football scholarship each season in his memory.
The ceremony began with Michigan State's past and present players walking the length of the field together as they typically do before football games. They and others in attendance then released hundreds of green balloons following the national anthem.
Dantonio concluded the list of speakers by talking about Sadler's competitive spirit and his constant quest to make the most of his potential. The head coach finished by quoting an essay written by Ann Landers.
"Class can walk with kings and keep its virtue, and with crowds to keep the common touch," Dantonio said. "Everyone is comfortable with a person who has a class as he is comfortable with himself. When you have class, you don't need much of anything else. If you don't have it, whatever else you have doesn't make that big a difference."