GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The second annual Mike Sadler Celebration of Life returned to Grand Rapids on Sunday.
This year’s event was at Atwater Brewery from noon until 3 p.m. and featured live music with the Desmond Jones Band, some of the MSU band and cheerleaders, Sparty and more special guests.
The brewery produced “Hey Diddle Diddle,” a beer originally made by Jagged Mt. Brewery in Denver, then brought to Michigan by Atwater. “Hey Diddle Diddle” is a tribute to Mike Sadler, who ran the trick play "Hey Diddle Diddle Send Sadler Up the Middle” against Iowa during the 2013 season leading to the Rose Bowl. The beer is sold in stores throughout Michigan, and a portion of all sales are donated to the Michael Sadler Foundation.
Last year was the first year the Grand Rapids native and former MSU punter was celebrated. The event was held at Founders Brewing Company and nearly 1,000 people attended. Mike's family said Founders was one of his favorite breweries.
Mike died in July 2016 in a car crash in Wisconsin. The Michael Sadler Foundation was created following his death, and it has provided scholarships and opportunities for young athletes.
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