Come show support at the Second Annual Mental Health Awareness Match in honor of Joe Fehr held on Friday, April 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Harrison Stadium.

Matt Wagoner, senior captain of the Drury men’s soccer team, has been leading the planning of the event for this year and is looking forward to bringing the community together once again to raise awareness and remember the life of his dear friend.

“Joe and I became very close both through soccer and through class. I admired how intelligent, motivated and creative he was. In soccer, Joe and I played right next to each other on defense and our friendship grew even stronger.”

“I knew that Joe would always have my back, and he knew that I would always have his. His work ethic and energy inspired everybody on the team to play as hard as he did. He truly was the spark of the Drury men’s soccer team, and nobody will ever be able to fill his shoes as a player, classmate and friend,” said Wagoner.

Reducing the stigma around mental health

Though this event was created to honor Joe Fehr’s life, a big focus is also on the acknowledgment of mental health and learning to overcome difficult obstacles.

“Mental health is not a taboo anymore. Every day, everybody is going through some type of stress, anxiety or depression. School is hard, sports are demanding and we all have those times in our day where we struggle. We, as a community, need to learn to take care of one another. The biggest thing I want to stress is that you are not alone,” said Wagoner.

Teammate and friend, James Potteberg, helped orchestrate the event’s partnership with Burrell Behavioral Health Center. Through knowing Joe, he has found that mental health is something that should be talked about and those suffering should be heard.

“Joe was one of the most accepting people I have ever met, and he cared tremendously about others. Mental health awareness has become more important to me in the last year than I could ever imagine. Being able to recognize the signs of someone struggling is important simply because it could save a life. Remember that you are loved and you are wanted in this world, and no matter how dark you feel, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. You will be found,” said Potteberg.

Everyone is encouraged to come to the event and bring friends and family members.

“One of our goals this year is to expand our reach into the Springfield, Mo. community. Even though you may not have known Joe, this will be an extremely fun event and will help raise awareness for mental health and reduce the stigma associated with it. We cannot wait to see everybody there to celebrate the life of Joe Fehr and raise awareness for mental health,” said Wagoner.

Helping a good cause

The proceeds for this event will be donated to the Burrell Behavioral Health Center located in Springfield. The men’s soccer team will be selling tickets in the lobby of the Commons during lunch starting April 15. Tickets can also be purchased the night of the event. Tickets are $5 and include a hamburger and a raffle ticket.

“Last year, we donated the money to the Kim Foundation in Joe’s hometown of Omaha, Ne. However, Joe’s family expressed that they wanted the proceeds from this year’s event to benefit an organization in Springfield. The Burrell Behavioral Health Center creates individualized care plans and collaborates with families, schools, and healthcare systems to provide the appropriate care for each patient. We are very excited to partner with the Burrell Behavioral Health Center to raise awareness for mental health,” said Wagoner.

For more information about the match, visit the “Mental Health Awareness Match: In Memory of Joe Fehr” Facebook event page. On this Facebook page, you will find a Go Fund Me link that gives you the opportunity to donate additional money or, for those that cannot make the event, an opportunity to donate as well.

Article by Kate Bequette.