June 24, 2008

2008 Spartan Football Fantasy Camp Highlights

EAST LANSING, Mich. - For some Spartans, big-time dreams don't die easy. For die-hard Michigan State football fans Allen Klein and Dick Fullmer, the big-time dreams are just to wear the Green and White and come barreling out of the Spartan Stadium tunnel. And thanks to the annual Spartan Football Fantasy Camp, Klein's and Fullmer's dreams, along with the dreams of 22 other campers, can come true.

It's safe to say the Spartan Football Fantasy Camp dates are circled prominently on Klein's calendar. For the past three summers, the Livingston, N.J., native juggles his appointments as a prominent international banker to take the field. Last year, Klein picked football camp over a bankers' conference in London, and this year, he scheduled his trip to Europe to assure him a spot in the Spartan fantasy lineup.

"It was either go to a conference in London, or be here," Klein, a 1964 Michigan State grad, said. "Of course, I'd rather be out here."

Fullmer, 69, has made his living in the rental business. He has locations in Bay City and Carrollton, and has attended the camp for the past three summers.

"We get to do everything the players do," Fullmer said. "We eat and walk over to the stadium as a team, and when we go into the locker room, our names are on the lockers. But probably the biggest highlight is running out onto the field and having Terry Braverman announce your name, and when you look up, you're on the big screen. That's pretty awesome."

Fullmer, who is an MSU football season-ticket holder and says he stays in shape by working and walking two miles a day, says he sees the game differently now that he's worn the uniform himself.

Dick Fullmer works on his throwing form during Monday's fantasy camp practice.

"It's great seeing the things behind the scenes," Fullmer, a 1975 MSU grad, said. "You know what it takes to be a lineman, running back, quarterback or any position. It opens your eyes to what the players go through. Unless you're a player, you'd never get to experience this."

Both Klein and Fullmer, who each also earned a master's degree at Michigan State, said they'll continue to find time to gear up and take the field each summer.

"To be able to come out here and work with the coaches and former players is awesome," Fullmer said. "It's priceless."

Klein, who plans to retire from his work in high-yield bonds in December 2008, added: "After I retire, I think I'll come here even more."