Mike Riley: 'Heartbreaking' week ends in 'beautiful' service for Sam Foltz

Riley marveled at the outpouring of generosity from Grand Island and Greeley — Foltz's hometown — and from Nebraska's athletic department, which filled seven buses with athletes and coaches from Husker football and other programs to make the service. 

"It's a heartbreaking week," Riley said as he stepped away from the luncheon held after Foltz's funeral. Riley stood with two reporters in a darkened pantry room, quiet and empty except for cereal boxes and cans of food in Skagway bags. "But the other thing is, as you go through it, you find out more and more about people — the Foltz family, the Nebraska family, the state of Nebraska. Everybody's really tried to stay strong together. But it is sad. And it will be. We're all very thankful for everybody who's put their arms around us. This day is really a good indication of that. It's really a beautiful thing." 

Attendance estimates for the service ranged between 1,500 and 2,000. Overflow seating was placed around the main sancutary for additional visitors. Greeley Fire and Rescue — wearing bright red hats — directed attendees to parking spots in a nearby field. The buses arrived roughly 20 minutes before the service; players from many teams — and baseball and softball coaches Darin Erstad and Rhonda Revelle — were among the attendees. 

The traditional Catholic service featured seven hymns sung out of green hymnal, two family-selected scripture readings from Nebraska running back Graham Nabity and a short eulogy. 

Athletic director Shawn Eichorst said Foltz lived "a life of purpose, a life of pride and a life of passion." 

"He left an indelible mark on how we all need to look at life and embrace life," Eichorst said. "Care about one another. He was the ultimate team guy, right? What did he say? Teamwork makes dreams work."