First of all, I want to thank you guys for the interest. I am sorry that I have slowed down on the updates. The last part of camp was very hard for me due to a list of things. First of all, I have been playing with a broken finger for way to long. Secondly the mental pressure was been pressing for me; Not knowing, not receiving any information – trying to figure out what to do if I did not make it. I am really glad to hear that you guys are enjoying the blog and, therefore, I am sorry to say that this will be my last input for a little while.
We had final cuts and I have gone inactive. Of course I am not satisfied with that, but there might still be a chance of me making the squad, so I am keeping my head high.
The Head Coach, Larry Terry, told me that Thursday (last week) would be my last day training with the team for now. I was, ultimately, the last cut on the entire squad. Looking back at camp I am very satisfied with the work I have put in. When I went to speak with my position coach, Frank Tierney, he did not even know that I had been cut. He thought that I was staying on the team. I take that as a statement of me not slowing the team down. However, it might just be bad communication. I was a bit confused that it had not been his decision.
14 wide outs are still on the team, so it is quite a big unit. In the mean time Larry Terry has asked me to come by his office once a week for an update on the roster. There is no way I am seeing the field this season, but at least I have not played my way of the team. I would be very happy to just practice with the team. I have this 'pending status' for up to three more weeks before a decision is made.
For now my days here in La Crosse looks like this:
School has started. I have 5 classes and go to school from Monday – Thursday. I am very pleased about having Fridays of. I work out every single day.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I work out with the team at 6 o'clock in the morning. All team members follow the same program, but lifting numbers relevant for their position and strength. On Tuesdays we lift heavy. On those two days I work out again later in the day after classes. Right now I have 9 training sessions a week.
The team practices at 4 o'clock from Monday – Thursday. I am present at every single practice, since I want the coaching staff to notice my commitment to the team. I do not participate in video session for now. I have decided to use my time here to become a better football player no matter what happens with the team. I will receive my workout program from the athletic training team in a few days.
Coach Terry allowed me to be on the sideline for the teams first game on Saturday. It was an awesome experience. I was so pumped up – even more than at some of my own games in Denmark. The big marching band is playing all the classic football anthems and the cheerleaders – this really is college football. The stadium was filled – 5000 people cheering the team on. Even though it was a pretty cold night, I had a warm fuzzy feeling. I guess for the first time it hit me that I am really doing it – living this dream. I would not trade it for the world.
Unfortunately the team lost, but I am so happy to have had that experience. If you want to read about the game follow this link: http://www.uwlathletics.com/news/2010/9/4/FB_0904101613.aspx
On the night of the game I was standing in the pre-game locker-room, when Coach Conway, D-line approach me. He told me that he had heard good things about me from his son, Justin Conway – a 4,45 speedy cornerback. He said that he was told that I could catch anything and that I had made some people notice. It was a very proud moment for me. I will never be the fastest guy on the field, but even over here my hands are considered solid.
I am very happy to be here and be around the team. It is a great bunch of guys and I feel very well-liked. I came here to make the football team, so of course I am disappointed. Being here makes me want it even more. So much that I am considering coming back here for my masters degree. For me football has always been 'forever', since no one is telling me when I should quit in Denmark, but living this life and playing at this level is not forever. I am only able to do this for a very limited part of my life and I want it... bad! I love living this life. For anyone who is thinking about going abroad to play – DO IT! However, this takes fulltime dedication. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you guys might have. Either comment here or find me on Facebook.
For those of you who might be interested in how I ended up in La Crosse:
The Copenhagen Towers did an interview with me prior to me taking of:
http://www.copenhagen-towers.dk/senior-elite-separator/senior-elite-nyhe...
If anything happens over here I will let you guys know... For now goodbye and enjoy the finals in Denmark. Good luck Towers.
Stefan Pflug, Wisconsin La Crosse.