Our Rudy

Fall 1994:
It started out as a typical day for Reitz receiver Dan Engler as he lined up for a passing route during football practice. On that cool autumn evening back in 1994, Engler ran his assigned route, while the quarterback took the snap, dropped back three steps, and threw a quick slant. The pass was way off, obviously not catchable, but Dan dove for the ball anyway. Dan Engler always dove for the ball.

Undeterred by the bad throw, Engler picked himself up, chased after the ball, and hustled back to the huddle for another go. This is the way Dan Engler played the game - going all out, nothing was considered impossible. It was from this never-give-up attitude that Dan Engler earned his nickname, Rudy, from his teammates and coaches who said Engler reminded them of the movie character who played football at Notre Dame.

Present Day:
Our Rudy is now living in Nashville and following his dream of working in professional wrestling. Those who know Rudy will not be surprised to find out he is doing just that. Rudy is one of the top referees in the NWA-TNA: Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, which can be ordered here in Evansville on both local cable companies on pay-per-view every Wednesday evening.

www.reitzfootball.com:
If being involved in professional wrestling isn't enough to keep a guy busy, Rudy is also the webskipper of the Reitz football website. If you have never logged on to ReitzFootball.com, you are really missing out. Rudy's website has won numerous awards. Everything you want to know about Reitz Football, at any level (cub thru varsity), is there. Check the Message Board where folks can leave comments or questions for Coach Hart. Rudy has a Trivia Section where prizes are awarded to Reitz football experts who can answer the more difficult questions.