Former NFL players helping mentor UW-La Crosse receivers, defensive backs

From the playing field to the sidelines.

Two former NFL players will be joining the UW-La Crosse football team as coaches this year.
Issac Fruechte who starred at Caledonia and played with the Minnesota Vikings as wide receiver, and Craig Newsome, who was a starting defensive back, part of Green Bay’s 1997 Super Bowl win.
Head Coach Mike Schmidt says their resumes command respect
Schmidt said, “They bring instant credibility to whatever it is that they say. They can demonstrate certain things. And being around guys that have done it at the highest level is really cool for our players.”
Athletes who compete at the highest level can sometimes struggle in coaching.
As far as Schmidt is concerned, that doesn’t describe either Fruechte or Newsome
“Both of them have had a huge impact on us. Everyday it’s evident. It’s natural for them. They’re going to be wonderful additions to what we do.”
Schmidt says Fruechte decided to make the jump to coach, as he would like to become a college offensive coordinator at some point.
Newsome has been around the program in a non-official capacity since Schmidt took over 3 years ago.