| In Loving Memory of Matt Pagel 1981 - 2007 You will always be loved, and never be forgotten |
From Ryan Englebert (My brother & Matt's best friend): I received the call this morning at 6:30AM from Matt's brother informing me on what had happened to him. I thought for sure I was still dreaming, and this was just a horrible nightmare. However, it wasn't long before reality set in and realized that I had lost my very best friend. For you guys that weren't blessed enough to meet Matt, he was the most amazing person on this earth. He was a hard worker, he was loyal, he was tough, and he was the best friend a guy could ever ask for. I have been best friends with Matt ever since the 8th grade and have learned so much from him through out the years. He cared deeply about everyone and would do anything possible to make his friends and family happy. I remember like yesterday when I was involved in my car accident three years ago, Matt's voice was the first I heard from my hospital bed when I awoke from surgery.. He had called my hospital room and told me he was coming to visit me and didn't care that he was going to miss his football game on that Saturday. I had to talk him into staying and playing rather than driving 5 hours to visit me in the hospital. Thats the kind of guy and friend he was. He cared deeply about football however it didn't even come close to matching his passion and loyalty for his friends. Having talked to him two days ago, Matt was very excited about his next opportunity to play football with the Destroyers. Matt felt good, and was determined to make the team and continue playing the game he so loved!! I'm so sorry that he never got the chance to live out his dream!! But Matt, I know you are still with me, and I know you have always been one of the few people out there that has always believed in me and thought that I could play beyond college. I remember like it was just yesterday when we were in high school talking about how it was our goal to play in the NFL together. Well Pags, I want you to know that I am going to give it everything I possibly have to allow you to live your dream through me. Everything I do in my life from here out, is dedicated to you big guy!! much love!! Your boy will always have a special place for you in his heart!! |
| Listed Below are some of Matt's Sporting Accomplishments - Was getting ready to begin practice with the Arena 1 football Columbus Destroyers - Signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers in 2005 - Played 1 season with the Green Bay Blizzard of the Arena 2 league - WIAC indoor 55 meter champion in 2003 & 2004 - WIAC outdoor 100 meter champion in 2003 & 2004 - 2nd in the nation in the 55 meter in 2004 losing by 1/1000th of a second - Set WIAC 55 meter record with a time of 6.323 at Nationals in 2004 shattering the old mark held by Bill Schroeder of the Green Bay Packers - 5 Time All-American in Track - Played in the 2000 Shrine Bowl (Wisconsin All-Star Football Game) - Dead lifted 718 lbs in his first power lifting meet in 2002. This was the 18th best dead lift in the nation that year. - Has XTS record in the box squat with a raw lift of 645 lbs @ 257 lbs BW - Has XTS record in the vertical jump @ 38.5 inches @ 238 lbs BW - Has XTS record in the broad jump @ 10'4" @ 238 lbs BW |
| Matt at San Diego Charger Training Camp |
| Matt winning another 55 Meter race |
| "Chasing a Dream" On Wednesday, February 7th, 2007 at around 1 a.m. we lost a great competitor and friend. Matt Pagel, age 25 of Abrams, WI was on his way to Columbus, Ohio to do what he loves most, play football. He was to begin practice Wednesday with the Arena 1 football Columbus Destroyers. About 45 minutes outside of Columbus, Matt was struck by a semi-truck head on and killed. Matt was giving the football thing one last shot and was more ready now than ever. I have been working with Matt since he was in high school so he is like a little brother to me. Matt, you will be greatly missed by everyone, we all love you big guy. R.I.P Brother!! |
 |