But this week Fanelli found himself experiencing those things first hand as he and 42 other Little Giant football players toured Neuschwanstein Castle and the Dachau concentration camp as part of the team’s trip to Europe. The Wabash squad left Sunday morning on an eight-day trip of Germany and Austria that will conclude with a football game against the Chrysler Vikings of Vienna on Saturday afternoon.
“I never planned on studying abroad, even when I came to Wabash,” said Fanelli. “I knew when I heard about this trip that I was ready to jump at the chance to go. Now I’m so glad that I did. Pictures can’t compare with what I’ve seen so far on this trip. I’ve been blown away with what I’ve seen.”
The Little Giants opened the week with a walking tour through Munich after landing on Monday morning. The trip continued with a tour of the Olympic Stadium, the BMW headquarters, and other sites in Munich on Tuesday.
Wednesday the players, coaches, and several parents who have also made the trip, spent several hours at Dachau viewing films, listening to stories, and reliving one of the darkest periods in history.
“There was an overwhelming feeling of sadness and awe that sweeps over you,” said Brandon Roop, who recently completed his freshman year at Wabash. “I felt it when I first walked into the camp. Watching the footage of some of the events that took place was extremely moving.”
Tight end Nick Dawson spent the spring semester in Spain and has joined his teammates in Austria. While he’s had a chance to enjoy his time in Europe over the last five months, nothing could prepare him for what he saw Wednesday morning.
“It puts playing football or any problems that you think you might have in perspective,” said Dawson. “It’s just indescribable and profoundly sad.”
Wednesday afternoon’s activities were much lighter. The team traveled to Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Bavaria, including a trip up the 170 steps leading to the main gate. The castle was the home of King Ludwig II and was built from 1869 to 1886. Thursday’s activities include a trip up an 8,000-foot slope of the Bavarian Alps near Innsbruck, Austria. On Friday the team will tour Salzburg on the way to Vienna and a final practice prior to Saturday’s game.