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Spotlights » Michael McFadden, '06
McFadden Earns AFL Accolades
Grand Rapids Rampage defensive lineman/linebacker and former Laker football standout Michael McFadden, '06, recently earned several accolades from the Arena Football league for his impressive performance both on and off the field this season.
On July 14, McFadden was named to the Arena Football League's Al Lucas Hero Team for his contributions to the West Michigan community this past year. The Al Lucas Hero Award, named in honor of the late Los Angeles Avengers lineman, is presented annually to the player who makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football.
In the off-season, McFadden spoke with over 5,000 youth football players across West Michigan during the Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy's. Additionally, he played a key role in the U.S. Army "Be Strong for Life" High School Tour, interacting with 1,500 students at Grand Rapids' Central High School, Creston High School and Godfrey-Lee High School. He has also encouraged athletes at GVSU's summer football camps. Throughout these visits, McFadden stressed the importance of education, discipline and heart as keys to success.
"I really enjoy speaking to children and giving them guidance, not only about football, but life. So many kids for whatever reason are not blessed with a solid foundation and need a positive role model to let them know they can achieve their dreams," McFadden said.
During the season, McFadden continued his community impact. He made weekly after-school visits to Harrison Park Elementary School, participated in the Children's Miracle Network's telethon benefiting Helen DeVos Children's Hopsital, and volunteered as a Big Brother for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Grand Rapids.
On June 23, the AFL named McFadden to its 2008 All-Rookie Team. During regular season play, he paced all Rampage players with four sacks, including a team record-tying three sack performance on April 25. Despite spending nearly half of the season on the injured reserve list, McFadden led Grand Rapids with five tackles for loss, totaled 20 tackles overall and added a forced fumble in nine games.
The Saginaw, MI native has also maintained strong ties with his alma mater. On March 14, he welcomed fellow Grand Valley graduates during the first GVSU Young Alumni event held at a Rampage game. He plans to assist Grand Valley's football team in their upcoming season, and will be supporting to the Laker Football Fund. "I appreciate the financial opportunity that I was given and want to be sure to continue that tradition of success," he said.
"Grand Valley has prepared me well for my professional career both on and off the field," continued McFadden, who earned a Bachelor's of Science in advanced public relations and advertising from GVSU in 2006. He put his degree to good use, working in the Rampage's front office during the off-season handling marketing, ticket sales, public relations and logistics for the organization. The team's season ended with a conference playoff championship loss to the San Jose SaberCats on July 12.
Added August 2008
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