Article: Wisconsin coach Bielema's roots firmly planted in tiny Illinois town.

Byline: Jeff Potrykus

PROPHETSTOWN, Ill. _ Some moments, whether they wrought anguish because of life lost or brought joy because of opportunity gained, won't ever fade from Bret Bielema's memory:

Such as the day, during his senior year at tiny Prophetstown High School, Bielema was invited to join the University of Iowa football program as a walk-on.

"He had tears in his eyes," his father, 68-year-old Arnold Bielema, said recently. "We were thrilled to death."

Or the day, when Bret was still in kindergarten, a stranger pulled up near the curb, opened his car door and tried to entice him into the car with candy.

"I used to ...

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