When a dream becomes reality twice…and other stuff
By Keith Kubisiak for Wausau Pilot & Review
By all accounts, the Packers draft was certainly one to remember.
Ted Thompson went with his usual modus operandi of hoarding draft picks like I do Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups at Halloween. It was none more memorable for a kid from Wisconsin Rapids that was picked in the fourth round (108th overall) from the University of Wisconsin, Vince Biegel. As lifelong Packers fan, I cannot even attempt to wrap my head around how Biegel felt when he got the call letting him know that he would become a Green Bay Packer.
But then, I tend to not try to wrap my head around anything. It just hurts too much.
Biegel will not be in his usual number 47. That number of course is worn by, Jake Ryan. No, not the guy from the John Hughes film Sixteen Candles. Ryan will continue to be the play caller and run-stuffer on the defense Biegel will be looking to break into for playing time.
Biegel’s #45 jersey is now available for pre-order at the Packers Pro shop.
How can you not love the story of a kid from central Wisconsin that was able to play college ball in his home state and be drafted by his home state team? The dream truly did become a reality.
Congratulations to Ryan Ramczyk from Stevens Point on being the first-round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints. Ramczyk’s circuitous route to the NFL is a fantastic story of struggle, perseverance, and success. Best wishes to him as he embarks on his career.
We are coming up on the “first Saturday in May”. It is time to get out you seersucker suits, bow ties, and huge hats for the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby.
I hope you had an opportunity to take the quiz on wausaupilotreview-newspack.newspackstaging.com to find out what your Kentucky Derby horse name is. I can now go on record that I am (insert drumroll here)…Ambassador Nelly.
Your Kentucky Derby viewing info (All Times Central):
When: Saturday, May 6
Coverage Start Time: 11 p.m. (undercard), 1:30 p.m. (main coverage)
Derby Post Time: 5:34 p.m.
Where: Churchill Downs in Louisville
TV: NBC (main coverage), NBC Sports Network (undercard)
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live
About the author
Keith Kubisiak is a self-proclaimed sports junkie. He will have an opinion with a heavy dose of snark, and hopefully a bit of humor, on everything from local sports to the pros. Kubisiak is a lifelong Wisconsin resident, with the exception of one year living just outside of Cleveland that he still says is the worst winter of his life.
The author is a huge fan of the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers. Even though he is not a big fan of the NBA, the Bucks are very slowly starting to grow on him (it’s about time.) He played youth hockey for nine years with aspirations to play Division 1 hockey, but lacked two things on his quest: ability and talent, shortcomings which, sadly, are also evident in his golf game. His passion for sports will be very apparent as you read “My View…From the Couch.” Reach Keith at [email protected]. On Twitter as @keithkubi.
