For once, UW-La Crosse students are getting some positive recognition for their behavior on Third Street.
Four members of UW-L's Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity came to the rescue of a local bar owner on Thursday, Nov. 19.
After finishing up dart league at Shooter's, Tim Lesperance, Ryan Shervy, Tom Connell, and Eddie Guzman witnessed a strange man entering the establishment.
According to owner Dave Rudrud, the man refused to provide identification. Recognizing him from another incident during Oktoberfest, Rudrud pressed him for information. He questioned him about the hat he wore during the previous incident, and again, on this night.
The man denied any involvement, and began to fumble with the door lock. Before Rudrud could call the police, the man had punched him and fled.
Sigma Tau Gamma came to the rescue, chasing the man around the Third Street area. They finally caught him in front of Brother's, where he kicked and punched them. Rudrud describes the man as "really violent."
But, the fraternity brothers were relentless and were able to restrain him, much to Rudrud's relief. "If it wouldn't have been for these guys there's no way he would have been apprehended," Rudrud stated.
As the 20-year owner of Shooter's, Rudrud had nothing but positive comments to share about his student customers. From the time when he first rented the bar until now, he has seen a "huge change in the average student," describing them as being "so much smarter" and having excellent character.
Not only is Rudrud a local bar owner, he was also a UW-L Assistant Wrestling Coach from 1988 until 2001. He adds that he has numerous other family ties to the university and significant appreciation for the school and its students.
Rudrud feels "very fortunate" for the help of the Sigma Tau Gamma students who came to his aid, but it's possible that Rudrud was very deserving of this help. In 2007, he assisted police in a situation that caused him to tear his ACL. For his help, Rudrud received the Citizen's Service Award.
And when his bum knee prohibited him from chasing down the troublemaker at his bar, the students from the university he has long believed in gave him a hand.
Rudrud explained that when he told his wife what happened she was happy to know that "my customers would try to look after me."
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