CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The death of an official at the Illinois-Michigan State game Saturday brought the players and coaches 'back to the realities of life,' Illini Coach Mike White said.
'Let's face it,' White said.
'As I told my kids, this makes a game of football fairly insignificant.'
Referee Rich McVay, 55, collapsed of a heart attack during the second quarter of the Big Ten game. He was pronounced dead one hour later at a Champaign hospital.
McVay, of Westerville, Ohio, was a Big Ten official since 1974 and was the referee at the 1982 Rose Bowl. He officiated at various levels since 1956.
'This brings us back to the realities of life,' White said. 'Our prayers are with Mr. McVay, his family and friends.'
Spartans Coach Muddy Waters said, 'It was a tragedy. He was a fine official and a good man.'
McVay waved his arms during the second quarter of the game and fell to the ground at the Michigan State 45-yard line. Two ambulances were brought onto the field and a doctor administered cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
Head linesman Bob Walker took over McVay's duties as referee when play resumed at 10:12 of the period.
White said he wanted to talk to his team while rescuers worked on McVay but was unsure how to do it.
'(Umpire) Frank Strocchia came over to the bench crying,' White said. 'It was an emotional upheaval.'
