Even high school football is bigger than college football in the small town of River Falls, Wis.
Owen Schmitt should know. The Fairfax High graduate began his college football career in the fall of 2003 at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a Division III commuter college outside of Minneapolis.
“It was sellout during the high school games and then during our games, maybe half of the bleachers would’ve been filled up,” said Schmitt.
When Schmitt takes the field as the starting fullback for No. 3 West Virginia tonight against No. 5 Louisville, he’ll play before more than three times River Falls’ population of 13,000, with a potential appearance in the Bowl Championship Series title game on the line.
“I almost have to say that my first year at River Falls were some of the best times that I’ll ever remember because it was my first year playing college football,” said Schmitt, who grew up two hours away in an even smaller Wisconsin town, Gilman (pop. 500), before moving to Northern Virginia for high school. “All those new friends, the first year of college. So many memories and experiences that I’ll never forget.”
Schmitt transferred to West Virginia in 2004, walked onto the football team and is now one of the top blocking backs in the country for the nation’s most dangerous rushing offense.
Along with quarterback Patrick White and running back Steve Slaton, Schmitt graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s college preview this fall. But his friends from freshman year, such as former roommate Troy Foss, help keep him grounded.
“When I saw [Sports Illustrated], I was like, ‘No way,’” said Foss in an accent reminiscent of the movie, “Fargo.” Foss also left River Falls, and is now a wide receiver at Minnesota-Duluth. “When we get together, he says, ‘Dude, what the heck is going on? I can’t believe this is happening.’ He’s like that. He’s really humble. He doesn’t forget where he came from, and that’s what so special about it.”
Schmitt said he could never imagine as a freshman things would work out as they have. But Foss, who seeded the idea of transferring, recalls Schmitt saying he never wanted any regrets.
“I remember him saying that just the feeling of playing in front 60,000 fans would be incredible,” said Foss. “That was always his dream.”
Schmitt has inspired a slew of new Mountaineer fans these days in the upper Midwest. And those aren’t the only people Schmitt remembers every time he puts on his helmet.
“I put a lot of pride in and a lot of pressure on myself to make those people proud,” said Schmitt. “Make them feel proud to know me. That’s the thing that pushes me.”
No. 3 West Virginia (7-0) at No. 5 Louisville (7-0)
» Where: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Louisville
» When: Tonight, 7:30
» TV: ESPN
