The University of Nebraska Athletics Department is deeply saddened to confirm that senior punter Sam Foltz was tragically killed in a car accident on Saturday night, while attending a kicking camp near Waukesha, Wisconsin. Details about the incident will be forthcoming from law enforcement officials in Waukesha.
Sam, 22, was a native of Greeley, Nebraska and the son of Gerald and Jill Foltz. He was a three-year starter for the Nebraska football team. In 2015, he was voted as the Eddelman-Fields Big Ten Punter of the Year and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Sam earned his degree in agronomy from UNL in May of 2016.
Head Football Coach Mike Riley and student-athletes Tommy Armstrong, Josh Banderas and Jordan Westerkamp will not participate in Big Ten Media Day scheduled for tomorrow and Tuesday in Chicago. Arrangements will be made to have Coach Riley and the student-athletes available to all media in the coming days.
The Nebraska Athletics Department will provide more information on services, condolences and memorials when they are available.
The following our statements from Head Football Coach Mike Riley and Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst:
Statement from University of Nebraska Head Football Coach Mike Riley:
“Last night, we lost one of the best young men who I have ever had the honor to coach and who has ever worn the Nebraska uniform. Sam was universally loved and respected by everyone he touched and on whom he had a positive influence each and every day. His tragic loss is immeasurable to his family, his friends, his classmates, his teammates and his coaches and our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. The young men in our football program are hurting but I know that their strength of character and resolve will bring us together and we will honor Sam every day moving forward.”
Statement from University of Nebraska Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst:
“Our prayers of love and support go out to Sam’s family during this difficult time and we will do all that we can to help comfort them in this time of sadness. Sam was truly a tremendous young man, who represented everything that a Nebraska student, athlete, teammate and friend should strive to be. While his loss is devastating, his impact will be felt forever. Along with Coach Riley, our focus is on providing Sam’s family, teammates and friends with the critical support and love that they need at this time.”