Face to face with inspiration

Regardless of how this season shakes out for No. 2 USF, Monday afternoon will be one of the moments I remember most about covering the Bulls this year. Jeff Wagner, who has been an inspiration in the Bulls' 6-0 start, met the team before Monday's practice, thanking them for inspiring him as he battles leukemia, then taking a knee to pray with his favorite team.

Here's the story you'll find in Tuesday's paper, with some great photos from the Times' Chris Zuppa. The great thing about this blog is the way I can pass along to readers things there isn't room for in the paper, and correspondent Brendan Galella got some great quotes from defensive line coach Dan McCarney and defensive coordinator Wally Burnham. Quotes like these reinforce my belief that "FINISH STRONG" has been one of the best stories in what has been the best story in college football this year.

Dan McCarney: "Everyone in life needs examples, needs role models and people to inspire you. We all do. In sports and athletics, he can inspire anyone that gets near him or reads a story about him. To go what he goes through, if you haven't walked in his shoes, and I never have, you can only imagine what he's gone through.

"You talk about resolve and courage and toughness and heart and overcoming adversity, it's nothing compared to what he goes through every day. I look forward to those Friday nights, the notes and letters he writes. Coach Leavitt shares it with the team, and I love it. It makes my Friday nights. It touches people different people in different ways. I just have a special place in my heart for people with health issues and one of the things I loved doing every Friday at Iowa State was taking 12 players to the hospital every Friday. Jeff brightens our day and puts a smile on our faces every day. Coming out here and seeing the strength that he shows, he's fighting a lot of health issues.

"He's stronger and tougher mentally than anyone we've got on this football team, I'll promise you that. What a neat story. It parallels off the field what we're trying to do on the field: overcoming obstacles and adversity and climbing the mountain. That's exactly what he does. Jeff is a shining example to all of us at this football program. We're blessed to have him on our team and his presence strengthens all of us."

Wally Burnham: "It means a lot. He's fighting a battle that's hard. It means the world for him to be out here, to come out and show these kids that there's more to life and to worry about than a game. It's tough out there. I think (Finish Strong) means so much. He writes to Jim (Leavitt), and he shares those things with the team. Now that he's been out here, I'm sure it means more to the kids. It's great that he's our biggest fan. He's sincere, comes from the heart and soul. Jeff means every word he says. He's not some bandwagon fan, so that means a lot."

What a great privilege to meet Jeff on Monday; I tried to convey to him how many people he's already touched with what he's done. Again, to learn more about him, visit his personal site at wagnerlee.com.

Comments

[GP]

and this is why i love this team...i hope he overcomes his sickness and gets to see the bulls win on his birthday

[Ari]

Hey Greg.

I know this is really a bad question, but what exactly did he donate to the team in the form of financial and human resources. I read about Mr. Wagner all the time, but I get a little lost on the relationshiop between CJL and him. How did it orignally form. What was the gift of support. How did he become such a big fan before that.

Fill me in.

[Rock]

Would USF beat the Gators? I'd say it's 50-50 but this guy doesn't see it that way: http://209.200.252.69/~gnnsite2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1948&Itemid=47

[Blake]

What a wonderful story, and it really reinforces what is important in life. While we all love this sport and this team, everyone should always make sure they take the time to tell those who mean the most to them in the world, just how much they care about them. Greg, this has been a wonderful and inspiring story to follow, and I look forward to hearing more about this story every week. Mr. Wagner is a truly great man.

p.s.--I can already see College Gameday doing a huge piece on this story if they come here for the Cinci game.

[Paul]

Wow...God Bless you Jeff...we continue to pray for you in dealing with this thing....

[Dave W]

Best of luck to Jeff; he can inspire more than just the football team.

[Geepster]

Ari,

If I remember correctly Jeff was on the committee to develop the football program and was instrumental in selecting CJL to start the program.

[Bill (Quaff) Roderick]

Ari,

You are a moron! How can you question (with a good conscious) Jeff's donations to the USF Bulls? He is and has been fighting cancer for several years and you have the audacity to ask what he has donated with regard to financial and human resources. He is simply a USF grad, a great USF fan and a tremendous human being that is in the fight of his life. That is one of his gifts to USF and to humanity and I do not know why you would question that!

[Ari Hinkelberger]

Still trying to find where in the question "i questioned jeffs donations to USF?"

Queff or Quaff...

Thanks for the insight.

[Brian Kennedy]

WOW, Ari you continue to outperform yourself, and not in a good way. I believe this is your exact quote...

but what exactly did he donate to the team in the form of financial and human resources

If I actually believed in one, you'd be going straight to hell.

[Reality]

wow , where do you people find these things. bringing back stories from the dead.

And what exactly did he donate, I think that is what Ari asked, and technically, no one has answered him.

[Ari Hinkelberger]

I am going to hell because I was curious what Mr. Wagner donated to the football program? I read in the paper that he was instrumental in the beginning years of the program and I was interested in what he gave...

You guys need a therapist. Nobody has even answered the question..

You guys have serious issues.