MONROE — Lucas Milz, a University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point football commit, looks forward to the senior All-Star games in July at Titan Stadium for more than one reason. Not only will he be able to suit up one last time for Black Hawk-Warren, but he also gets to raise money for a cause close to his heart.
“The entire week’s scope is serving all of the kids that need Children’s Wisconsin for treatment and a special place to be for support,” Lucas Milz said. “I have relatives who went through the trauma in battling childhood cancer, and places like Children’s Wisconsin are invaluable for families going through those devastating trials. Being able to fundraise to assist those families is an honor.”
Darlington seniors Barrett Vieth and Max McGuire also have a personal connection to the foundation, as their friend and fellow classmate Carson Hartwig passed away in 2020 from osteosarcoma.
“I’ll be playing in honor of my close friend Carson Hartwig,” Vieth said. “With the donations going to Children’s Wisconsin, they are going to a great cause and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
McGuire echoed Vieth’s sentiments.
“I am playing this game for my dear friend Carson Hartwig,” McGuire said. “He loved the game of football and was a tremendous competitor and athlete. He should’ve been playing in this game with me, so this game is dedicated to him.”
Like Lucas Milz, Monroe’s Drew Indergand has had family use the foundation, so he, too is excited to raise money for the event.
“It’s super exciting to play for Monroe football one last time. I look forward to it. Its also super cool to be playing for such an awesome cause,” Indergand said. “I don’t have direct family that’s used Children’s Wisconsin, but distant family has used it, so I look forward to sponsoring the event.”
The WFCA has partnered with Children’s Wisconsin since 2008 and has raised more than $4.7 million for these kids.
To participate in the event, each athlete must raise $750 for Children’s Wisconsin — but that is not the limit. The more an athlete raises, the more rewards they get. If you would like to sponsor an athlete, visit giving.childrenswi.org/events/wfca. You will be prompted to visist the WFCA website where you can search for your desired athlete.
Lucas and Cory Milz are aiming to raise $3,000. They will be selling T-shirts with all proceeds going to Children’s Wisconsin.
Not only is the cause close to the Milz’ family’s hearts, but the event itself also brings a lot of emotion. Lucas was a manager on the sidelines when his older brothers played in the All-Star game, and Cory has coached in twice previously.
“Coaching my sons has been a dream come true, and that time goes by so fast, so being able to spend one more moment with Lucas on the football field is something I am very thankful for,” Cory said. “It’s just a great week in building new relationships with people. Because this is probably the last time I’ll coach a high school football game, and Lucas is my youngest son, it is going to be a fun and emotional week.”
