Tony Tunney, Jr. (a former walk-on DB from the early 90’s) of Western Springs passed away on April 18th, 2012 after a fight with brain cancer. He was 39. Beloved son of Tony and Patty. Loving brother of Colleen (Daniel) Ryan, Tricia (Matt) Zeman and Karrie (Roger) Martinez. Cherished grandson of Kay Fox. Dearest uncle of 14. Also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Visitation Sunday, April 22, 12-8 p.m., at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison St., Willowbrook. Funeral Monday, 10:15 a.m. prayers from funeral home, to St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs. 

Mass 11:15 a.m. Interment Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Tony Tunney/Token of Appreciation Foundation, 5528 Heritage Ct., Western Springs, IL 60558 and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, 401 Hackensack Ave., 9th Fl., Hackensack, NJ 07601 are appreciated. Funeral Info. (630) 325-2300 or www.adolfservices.com.

More information can be found here: http://www.ryan-parke.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1459238&fh_id=12931

Whenever he hunkered over the football, as he did for 12 seasons as center for the Los Angeles Rams, Rich Saul had a way of being not only ferocious but folksy.

"Rich would get down over the ball, and there's the nose guard, and Rich is talking to him, wanting to know how his family and kids are doing," recalled former Rams guard Dennis Harrah with a laugh. "Next thing you know, Rich would be holding them up in the air, and I'd be cutting their legs out from under them.

"This guy's wanting to kill us, and Rich comes up on the next play and he's wanting to talk to the guy about his family again. Rich couldn't figure out why the guy was ticked off."

Saul, who made six Pro Bowls between 1976 and 1981, died Sunday of complications from leukemia at his home in Newport Beach, Calif. He was 64 and had battled various forms of cancer for more than 10 years.

The centerpiece of the only L.A. Rams line to reach the Super Bowl, it was Saul who correctly called the coin flip on a sunny Jan. 20 in 1980. Years after the 31-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIV, Saul would joke that, well, at least the Rams won the coin toss that day.

Born Feb. 5, 1948, in Butler, Pa., Saul was an all-conference linebacker at Michigan State, where he played with his identical twin brother, Ron, who would also play several years in the NFL. In 1969, the Sauls became the first brother duo to be named Academic All-Americans in the same year. Their older brother Bill also played in the NFL. Rich Saul was converted to a center in the pros, yet maintained the attacking, aggressive mentality of a defensive player.

"I knew better than to go near him when we were practicing," said Hall of Fame defensive end Jack Youngblood, Saul's longtime roommate on the road. "He was way inside, and I didn't want to go in there. I knew that if I went in there, I was going to get hurt.

"He played with a passion, like I think I played with a lot of passion, too. That's part of that connection that we had for so long."

His Rams teammates nicknamed Saul "Supe" — as in super — for a couple of reasons. For one, he could play just about any position on the field. But it was a tongue-in-cheek nickname, too, as Saul came out sounding like a superhero when he'd recount a story.

"When Rich Saul told a story, he never lost one battle," Harrah said. "And you had to love him for that. Because when Rich would start telling a story I'd say, 'Hey, I'll tell you what, Rich is going to come out being super on this one.' God love him, he just made you laugh."

Of Saul's nickname, longtime friend Robert Harrell joked: "I twisted that around and called him 's-o-u-p' because he ain't never missed a meal. And, buddy, if you've got one you're throwing out there for free, you better watch out for first in line because he's going to be there.

"We lost a real good one there."

Saul was also deeply religious and approached his job with a meticulous sense of purpose. Fellow Rams lineman Jackie Slater considered him a mentor and remembers Saul pulling him aside in 1976, as Slater was beginning his rookie season. In a newspaper interview, Slater had mentioned his dream of reaching the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Saul told him not to approach his goal casually, pointing out the long odds of a player getting that far and the unyielding dedication that would require.

"That kind of lit the fire in me," said Slater, enshrined as a Hall of Famer in 2001. "He challenged me. He knew what a grand dream that was, and that it was going to take a lot of work. Obviously, he had been around a lot of people who ultimately became Hall of Famers — Merlin Olsen, Tom Mack, people like that — and he knew the work that these guys had put in. He didn't know anything about me, but he knew that if I was dreaming this way, I'd better be aware of the work that went into becoming that kind of a guy."

Saul, who retired after the 1981 season, dealt in real estate and worked for a title insurance company in Newport Beach.

In addition to his twin, Saul is survived by his wife, Eileen; their daughter, Jaime, and son, Josh, and five grandchildren.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120417/SPORTS0202/204170367#ixzz1tZfsodkL

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Former Michigan State All-American Allen Brenner, one of college football's most talented two-way players in the late 1960s, died Monday, Feb. 13 in Clinton, N.C., following an extended illness. He was 64.

Born Nov. 13, 1947, in Benton Harbor, Mich., Brenner earned three letters at Michigan State from 1966-68, while playing wide receiver and safety for legendary head coach Duffy Daugherty. He came to MSU after earning second-team all-state honors as a senior halfback at Niles (Mich.) High School while leading the team in rushing, receiving and scoring. Brenner also emerged as one of the Big 6 Conference scoring leaders in basketball as a prep senior, averaging 31.2 points per game.

The 6-foot-1, 196-pound Brenner burst onto the scene in 1966, becoming one of only two sophomores to start on MSU's Big Ten and National Championship team that finished 9-0-1. He ranked as the Spartans' second-leading receiver behind All-American Gene Washington, with 22 receptions for 357 yards (16.2 avg.) and one touchdown. Brenner also returned 22 punts for 256 yards (11.3 avg.) and one score. He finished 11th in the Big Ten in receptions (conference games only), with 19 for 328 yards (17.3 avg.), and third in punt returns, averaging 15.3 yards (15 for 230). In his first Big Ten game, Brenner produced a school- and conference-record 95-yard punt return for a TD in MSU's 26-10 victory at Illinois.

Prior to the 1966 season, his position coach Cal Stoll said, "Let them double-team (Gene) Washington. We'll surprise them with (Allen) Brenner. He's got the sixth sense. He'll start out doing one thing but adjust for a better pattern if he's cornered. You don't have to tell Brenner anything more than once. He's one of the most coachable young men I've ever seen."

Mark Dantonio has a photo in his office to commemorate the "Little Giants" game against Notre Dame. (Dale G. Young / Detroit News)

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120424/SPORTS0202/204240425#ixzz1szj0tEtr

MSUFPA Members,

Below is an email we received from a MSUFPA member, Kaleb Thornhill. Kaleb is a Camp Director for 4th and 1 and is looking for YOU to join them on June 2nd in the local Lansing area. Please consider attending this event and if anything, please view the YouTube video here for more information:
 



Best Regards,
Luke Whiteman
MSUFPA Webmaster

____________________________________________________________

Hello!

I am emailing you this invitation to help raise money for a great cause. As you may or may not know, I am involved with a non-profit Football, ACT Prep, and Life Skills camp called 4th and 1. We are hosting a 5K Fun Run/Walk and I was hoping you would participate. All of the details are below or you can call me at 517-862-3608.

It’s a great cause and I’m sure you will have a great time. I look forward to seeing you there.

Who: You…and your friends & family!!!

What: The 1st annual 4th and 1 5k Fun Run/Walk

When: This event will be taking place at 10 am (EST) June 2nd, 2012 at Hawk Island Park in Lansing, MI.

How: Registration is easy!

Click HERE to "Sign Up Online" (then click the GREEN “register button”)

or

Click HERE to "Download Entry Form" (and mail in check for registration)

Why: Our team has a goal of providing over 65 underrepresented high school student athletes attendance to our camp for FREE. All proceeds from this event will be used to cover the expenses for our 2012 camp. These expenses include: room and board ($15,988),ACT test prep material ($5,950), sports apparel for 100 student-athletes/staff ($9,460), professional development speakers/flights ($5,650), and supplies.

4th and 1 is the only football camp in North America to balance sports training with ACT prep and diagnostics, professional development workshops, and life skills classes. Our mission is to propel our student-athletes through high school and college by providing them with individualized athletic, academic, and professional skills development. YOU CAN HELP US ACHIEVE THIS WHILE HAVE A FUN DAY AT HAWK ISLAND WITH YOUR FAMILY!!

4th and 1 2011 Summary Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwHmbSCUZgc

Thank you for your consideration!

“The ultimate measure of character is to do something for someone who can never repay you”

Kaleb Thornhill

April 27, 2012 is set for our 10th Annual MSUFPA Golf and Social Outing. Attached at the bottom of this article is your Reservation Confirmation Document to complete and send back in no later than April 22, 2012. 

We need your support to attend our 10th Annual Spring Golf and Social Outing. The event will take place at The Brookshire Inn & Country Club in Williamston, Michigan. Our event this year will be on Friday and start at 9:00 AM with registration and a continental breakfast. We will commence with a shotgun start at 10:00 AM. Lunch will be served at 12 noon for non-golfers and those wishing just to come and meet old acquaintances and socialize. Finally, after golf we will have Dinner around 5:00 PM. You will get a chance to meet with all our coaches.

The Golf Outing this year will precede the Spring Football Game set for Saturday, the 28th of April. Game time is set for an 1:30 PM start time.

Talented two-player player earned First-Team All-America honors as a safety in 1968 while finishing second on the team in receptions.  

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Former Michigan State All-American Allen Brenner, one of college football’s most talented two-way players in the late 1960s, died Monday, Feb. 13 in Clinton, N.C., following an extended illness. He was 64.  

Born Nov. 13, 1947, in Benton Harbor, Mich., Brenner earned three letters at Michigan State from 1966-68, while playing wide receiver and safety for legendary head coach Duffy Daugherty. He came to MSU after earning second-team all-state honors as a senior halfback at Niles (Mich.) High School while leading the team in rushing, receiving and scoring. Brenner also emerged as one of the Big 6 Conference scoring leaders in basketball as a prep senior, averaging 31.2 points per game.

The 6-foot-1, 196-pound Brenner burst onto the scene in 1966, becoming one of only two sophomores to start on MSU’s Big Ten and National Championship team that finished 9-0-1. He ranked as the Spartans’ second-leading receiver behind All-American Gene Washington, with 22 receptions for 357 yards (16.2 avg.) and one touchdown. Brenner also returned 22 punts for 256 yards (11.3 avg.) and one score. He finished 11th in the Big Ten in receptions (conference games only), with 19 for 328 yards (17.3 avg.), and third in punt returns, averaging 15.3 yards (15 for 230). In his first Big Ten game, Brenner produced a school- and conference-record 95-yard punt return for a TD in MSU’s 26-10 victory at Illinois.  

Prior to the 1966 season, his position coach Cal Stoll said, “Let them double-team (Gene) Washington. We’ll surprise them with (Allen) Brenner. He’s got the sixth sense. He’ll start out doing one thing but adjust for a better pattern if he’s cornered. You don’t have to tell Brenner anything more than once. He’s one of the most coachable young men I’ve ever seen.”

As a junior in 1967, he was named honorable mention All-Big Ten after leading the team in receptions (26), receiving yards (462) and TD receptions (4).

As a senior in 1968, Brenner earned First-Team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA). In addition, he was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection as a defensive back by The Associated Press and United Press International and a second-team all-conference pick on offense as an end by UPI. Brenner ranked fifth on the Spartans in tackles with 63 (31 solos, 32 assists), including a team-leading eight TD-saving stops. He also intercepted two passes. Brenner finished second on the team in receptions with 25 for 413 yards (16.5 avg.) and one TD. He had two 100-yard receiving games in 1968: six catches for a career-best 153 yards against Baylor and six receptions for 101 yards at Northwestern. The 1968 team MVP played 449 out of a possible 600 minutes.  

Brenner recorded 12 tackles in MSU’s 21-17 victory over fifth-ranked Notre Dame in 1968, including three TD-saving stops. His only reception against the Irish went for 13 yards to the ND 1 and set up Tommy Love’s go-ahead TD run in the third quarter. He ended Notre Dame’s next possession, intercepting a pass intended for Jim Seymour in the end zone. His biggest stop against the Irish came in the game’s final minute on a fourth-and-goal play from the Spartan 2, as Brenner dropped Terry Hanratty for a 3-yard loss and forced a fumble to preserve the win.

Following his performance against Notre Dame, Daugherty presented Brenner the game ball and told the media, “He was a terrific player for us today. I think he’s the finest two-way player in the nation today. He’s a tremendous leader and a real inspiration to our team.” 

Brenner closed out his career listed second in MSU’s record book in both receptions (73) and receiving yards (1,232), trailing only Washington. He was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection (1966-68) and two-time Academic All-American (1966 – second team; 1968 – first team). A political science major, Brenner graduated with a 3.7 grade-point average.

Following his senior season, he played in three postseason all-star games: East-West Shrine Game, Hula Bowl and Senior Bowl.

Brenner was selected by the New York Giants in the seventh round (No. 170 overall) in the 1969 National Football League Draft. He spent two years with the Giants (1969-70) and seven seasons in the Canadian Football League (Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 1971-74; Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 1975; Ottawa Rough Riders, 1975-77). Brenner won two Grey Cup Championships (Hamilton, 1972; and Ottawa, 1976) and earned CFL All-Star honors in 1972. He led the CFL in interceptions in back-to-back seasons, with nine in 1971 and a league-record 15 picks in 1972. Brenner had a career-best and franchise-record four interceptions against Toronto’s Joe Theismann in 1972. His 37 career interceptions (485 return yards) rank second in Tiger-Cats’ history.

In 1996, he was named to the Lansing State Journal’s MSU Centennial Super Squad.

Brenner is survived by his wife Suzi; sons, Ron and Allen; daughter Kelly; mother Patricia Deeds; brother Terry; sister Pam; and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Dale (Jan. 27, 1977) and his brother Bill (July 19, 1978).

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Berrien Center, Mich. Arrangements are being completed by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, Mich.

Remembering Allen Brenner . . .

Former teammate Bill Feraco (quarterback, 1967-68):

“Al Brenner was a great guy and a great teammate. He was an outstanding student and a great all-around athlete. Al was a tremendous basketball player in high school. He had great leadership skills and was a remarkable competitor.

“Al was primarily an offensive player his first two years. After a productive sophomore year, he led the team in receptions as a junior. The coaching staff recognized his instincts and ball skills and moved him to safety where he really excelled as a senior. He really had a great knack for reacting to the ball in the air.

“I’m really saddened to hear the news of his passing. We spent three summers working together to develop our timing on passing routes, so we became good friends. It brings back a lot of fond memories, thinking about those individual summer workouts. We did that long before it became the norm (in college football). My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

The $10 million project proposal goes before the MSU Board of Trustees at its regular meeting Friday for approval.

The board in December authorized university officials to begin planning for the project, which at that time sported an $8 million bill.

University officials say Spartan Stadium's current scoreboard and sound system technology are so outdated that their parts are no longer manufactured. The current scoreboard was installed in 1998.

What's more, the venue's current technology generally is not on par with that of the competition.

"These boards also lag behind other highly competitive Football Bowl Subdivision football stadiums," MSU Vice President for Finance and Operations Fred Poston said in a memo to the Board of Trustees. "Contemporary scoreboards allow additional revenue opportunities, and are becoming the norm for Big Ten football stadiums."

Poston also noted Spartan Stadium's sound system does not "adequately service the facility" and the outer skin of the south scoreboard has proven to be troublesome, regularly requiring repair.

More photos after the break.

As many of you may know, the senior bowl practice is well on it's way and our Spartans are impressing many. Click read more to view a few thoughts from scouts.

The No. 13 Spartans ended a decade of bowl futility by coming back from a 16-0 halftime deficit to beat Georgia, 33-30, in triple overtime Monday in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.Dantonio, who came into the game 0-for-4 in bowls as Michigan State's coach, pulled the Outback Bowl trophy a little closer to him as he addressed the media following the game.

"We've been waiting for one of these bowl trophies for five years," Dantonio said. "Thrilled to have it"It just points toward us becoming an elite program. There's not a football team that we cannot play with and not win against. We've done that. We've beaten every football team in the Big Ten Conference within the last four years. The standard has been set by our seniors. We're going to have to continue to work and grow as a program with recruits. … Two 11-win seasons, there's not too many football teams in the country that are saying that right now."