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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Mauer Defies Odds For BG
November 03, 2003 | Football
Nov. 3, 2003
By JACK CARLE, Sentinel Sports Editor - Rick Mauer had disappeared.
He wasn't even listed on the numerical roster handed out to the media for the Bowling Green-Northern Illinois game last Saturday.
A fifth-year senior, Mauer was injured in Bowling Green's opener against Eastern Kentucky on Aug. 28 and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Just eight weeks later, No. 59 was back on the field, in what so far has been BG's biggest game of the season, as part of the rotation at defensive end.
"That's huge," said BG head coach Gregg Brandon about Mauer's return. "He just healed. It's one of those things."
This was supposed to be Mauer's year. After transferring from the Air Force Academy, Mauer had finally worked his way into the lineup for the 2002 season. Last fall, he earned two starts and played in eight games before having to shut down because of an injury suffered against Central Michigan.
He had a high ankle sprain last season that was treated with a plate and screws during surgery in May.
After a summer of rehabilitation, things were looking up for Mauer. He had 2 1/2 sacks against Eastern Kentucky, before injuring the ankle again and going back to the sidelines. He was BG's defensive lineman of the week for the EKU game.
"What happened in that first game (EKU), I broke that plate and my fibula also broke, so I had a broken ankle," Mauer said. "I had surgery and they took all the screws and the plate out.
"Early on, the indication I was getting was that it was a pretty significant injury and I probably won't be able to come back."
Despite the diagnosis, Mauer was determined to make every effort to play again this season. He worked hard in the weight room to help the ankle heal.
After another X-ray Mauer was given the OK to resume practice by Dr. Louis Keppler, the team doctor for the Cleveland Indians.
"Looking back on it, I'm surprised," Mauer said. "Three weeks ago, a month ago. I'm sitting on the couch thinking I'm not going to play again.
"Something gave me hope. This is my last year and I didn't want to end on that note."
Mauer was also motivated to play again for his father. Mauer's step-mother is battling brain cancer.
"Maybe my dad seeing me play again was able to bring some joy into his life," Mauer said.
Mauer had two tackles, including a solo effort against the Huskies.
"He's going through a tough time, not just with football, but with life," said Tim Beckman, BG's defensive coordinator. "I've never seen a kid so happy when he was cleared for practice.
"After that X-ray came back as being a good thing for him, his eyes were like Santa had brought him a present."
Mauer was glad to be back on the field, after having to listen to games on the radio or watch from the sideline as the Falcons were flying high.
"I was sad and I was happy at the same time. To see our team doing so well, it was frustrating to know that you're not part of it," Mauer said.
The return to action was even more emotional for Mauer as he walked from the busses to Perry Stadium before the game, through Tent City and a throng of well-wishers.
"I was one of the more emotional moments for me, seeing all the people like that," Mauer said. "We usually come out of the bus and there would be 10 people there.
"To see that kind of support ... I'll be honest, it brought tears to my eyes. Not that I was sad, I was happy; the emotion was so overwhelming."
Now he's planning to finish out the season as part of the six-player rotation at defensive end. The added depth gives the Falcons a major advantage, especially late in the game.
"You've got fresh bodies rolling in there all the time. You're going against these (offensive) linemen who are getting tired," Mauer said. "After Northern, it didn't even feel like I had played in a game."
