'Rudy' visits Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Date: 4/14/2009

WILBRAHAM Daniel Eugene "Rudy" Ruettiger, who fulfilled his dream of playing football at Notre Dame when he played 27 seconds in the final game of his senior season, brought his message of positive thinking to the students of Wilbraham & Monson Academy. On April 2, Rudy had lunch with a small group of students before speaking to the entire student body and faculty of the Academy.

His message, "never quit," was taken to heart by the audience, who began and ended the meeting with the chant RU-DY, RU-DY. Ruettiger is an terrific storyteller, and he told many stories to the students last Thursday. One of the most amazing was the story of how he was able to make the movie "Rudy" a reality. He said, "You know who got my movie made? A hotel manager, a mailman and a janitor!" His advice is that you never know who the people you meet know or what they can do for you, so treat everyone well.

His more immediate advice to the students was to maintain a positive attitude, give hope to those around you and follow your dream. Ruettiger is this year's graduation speaker at the United States Naval Academy. His visit was made possible by two Academy Trustees, Mike Flynn of Hampden and Steve Marcus of West Springfield.