I was shocked when I first heard that Fred wasn't Coming back to play for the 2009 season. Usually when there is a somewhat important decision made on the behalf of Fred, he lets everyone know. Not only that, but he has been such a fixture on the Muskego Offense, what would we do with out him? Who would we make fun of at practice? So many questions without answers!

Fred, or # 84 for the Muskego Hitmen, as some of you may know, was one of those players teams would kill to have on their roster. He always wanted to improve. Not only to improve himself, but those around him. Some people don't take kindly when other players start coaching them on their mistakes and giving "little tips" on how to do something better. But some how, Fred pulled it off. No matter how much time it took, or just how much of a jackass it made him look like as we all had to stop practice and wait for him to finish... But I digress.

He was selfless

I think Fred liked blocking for other people as much as he liked getting the ball, which is something you don't see in this league or at this level of sports period. There were games where every ball when to Fred and there were games where the coaches never called his number. He would run every play exactly the same. That is one of those things that fans don't always pick up on, but as a player, as a team-mate, we all respected Fred for that. He did more than just help us win games, he:

• Made us better individuals
• Brought us closer together as a team
• Brought a true "Lead By Example" additude
• His crazy work ethic rubs off on everyone

A side from other teams complaining that he makes them look bad, I personally have never heard anyone say a single negetive thing about this guy. Except that he talks too much. And he's always trying to sell you insurance...But other than that - nothing negetive.

He was a team player

He wanted to get involved with everything that The Muskego Hitmen did. Whether it be a night out with the guys, or dodgeball tournament at 10am on a saturday that no one wanted to play in - Fred would be there with a smile on his face and ready keep everyone's spirits up.  On top of that, he has an education is in psycology so he could change your mood with out you even knowing it!

One Hell Of A Ball Player

Let's not beat around the bush - He was one hell of a ball player. One of the things that always threw me for a loop was how much Fred would down play his own abilities. According to the man himself, he was slow, not very strong, had trouble moving laterally and changing direction, and even had small fingers which made it hard to catch. Yet, despite Fred's physical short comings, he was our "Go-To" guy for a lot of years. He would catch anything thrown in his area and make it look easy.

One of the things that I think will be missed above all else was his humbleness. He was a great player and made a lot of big plays for us, but I can not recall him ever bragging about them, or even talking about them for that matter. It was an interesting Night / Day switch from practice to gameday with Fred. At practice you can't shut the guy up. He sells insurance, so he will talk to anybody about anything. On The other hand, on the field you could never get this guy to open his mouth!  He wasn't flashy at all. Never one to spike the ball in the endzone or do the Icky Schuffle. Nothing Like that. Run. Catch. Score. Repeat. That was Fred

Why Did He Take Off

He got a great new job out in Colorado. As far as I know anyway. Like I said, Fred never did say a word. Great for Fred - Bad for the Hitmen. But why would someone who has been a comensurate team player for over 5 years not say goodbye? Why would someone who would drive over an hour through any conditions to make it to every practice the a team has had for over 5 years walk away with out so much as a "See Ya Later"? I don't know about you - But that is odd to me. It would appear it comes down to that little thing called respect. Now this is a bit of hear-say, but I have it on good word that all Fred asked was to keep it quiet and he would address the team in his own way. That's just how Fred works. Long story short - That didn't happen. People talk, rumors start and the word gets out.

I was shocked when I was told Fred was gone by someone other than Fred. That's just not like him.

Some one said it for him is what it boils down to. Why say what has already been said? There is no need to make a scene and draw attention to oneself, especially if you would consider yourself the 'Non-Flashy' type.  So a little spite in the light of a little disrespect. That's pretty unfortunate. Let's face it, that is what team sports, at the root of it, are really about. Commradary, trust, and being able to rely on a small group of people you call your friends.

I don't know - maybe I'm making more of the situation than what is really there. Perhaps, his cell phone battery died the day he was moving and couldn't get around to a phone to call anyone. Who knows? But as I said before, I was shocked when I was told Fred was gone by someone other than Fred. That's just not like him.

In any event, I wanted to express my respects to Mr. Derocher and I think I can speak on behalf of the entire team in saying, You'll Be missed - both as a teammate and a friend