Why did you choose UR?
I chose UR because I
found the academic, athletic and social situation to be perfect for me. Coach
Peay got me on campus, and it's really hard to say no to the campus here.
What does it mean to be
a Spider?
I'm
still learning what it means to be a Spider, but my early impression is that
you must excel on and off the field; both in the classroom and in the
community.
What do you see as your
role on the team this season?
My
role on the team this year is yet to be defined. I'm just going out and trying
to work as hard as possible and learn as much as I can each and every day. If
the coaches call my name, I'll be ready to fulfill any role necessary to help
the team win.
What are your individual
goals for the season?
As
a freshman this season I have a few individual goals. My main goal is to get
better every day and to always try to be the hardest working guy on the field.
I pride myself on hard work, and hopefully that will translate into a good
amount of playing time and earning starts in big-time games.
Who's your roommate? Clark Hillenbrand, who is a track & field athlete here at UR.
If you could describe him in one word, it would be... STRONG. Clark is a big guy and he is in the gym working out every day.
If your teammates could describe you in three words, they would be... a good teammate.
When did you begin
playing soccer?
Much
like most Division I soccer players I started playing soccer at a very early
age. As soon as I was allowed to start playing organized soccer, I did.
What has been your most
memorable soccer moment?
My
most memorable soccer moment was probably one that occurred this past summer
with my club team. We had an unbelievable season and were rewarded by making it
to Nationals, which were held in Milwaukee, Wis. It was probably the best
soccer experience of my life.
What do you like most
about the sport?
My
favorite thing about soccer is that it demands good qualities from you that
translate into everyday life. If you don't work hard, you're not going to
perform well. If you're not in shape, you will be punished. And if you take a
day off it will catch up with you in the long run.
Who has had the greatest
impact on your soccer career? Why?
My
dad has definitely had the greatest impact on my soccer career. Having played
professionally, my dad is always able to give me good advice and has helped me
improve my soccer brain. He never misses a game and is not afraid to attack my weaknesses
and help me overcome them.
Do you have any pre-game
rituals or superstitions?
I
have a lot of pre game rituals that wouldn't really make sense to explain
unless you saw them. I like to keep them low key, so you're just going to have
to come to games and watch closely.
Who pushes you the most
at practice?
I'd
say the coaches are the ones who push me the most at practice. They have great
soccer minds and are always giving me good advice. I try to listen to
everything they say and apply it to my game.
If you didn't play
soccer, what sport would you play?
Basketball.
I always loved basketball and even played varsity for two years at my high
school before having to give it up for soccer. I'm excited to play intramural
basketball at UR.
Who are your biggest
role models?
My
parents are my biggest role models. They are hard working individuals who take
their professions and family life very seriously. They can do no wrong in my
eyes.
What is your major? Journalism
What is your dream job? To write a sports column for a big-time newspaper
If you could spend a day
with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
If
I could spend a day with anyone it would be Sir Alex Ferguson. He is arguably
one of the best soccer coaches of all time. His teams consistently finish at
the top of league year in and year out. The response from his players is that
he is an unbelievable soccer mind. I'd love to be around him for a day and pick
his brain.
If you could have any
superpower, what would it be? Why?
If
I could have any superpower, I would want to fly. I'm getting really tired of
walking all over campus, so it'd be nice if I could just fly from building to
building or just fly home to PA every once in a while.
If you could invent one
thing, what would it be?
If
I could invent one thing it would be a device that you can speak English into
and it spits out any language you want.
What do you enjoy doing
in your free time?
In
my free time I enjoy relaxing and hanging out with friends. I'm a big
Philadelphia sports fan and try to watch every game I can.
What is your favorite...
Movie: Dumb and Dumber
TV Show: Entourage
Subject in School: history
Pro Athlete: Wayne Rooney
Food/Meal: sushi
Restaurant: P.F. Chang's
Music Artist: John Mayer
Song: Stop This Train by John
Mayer
What is the first word
that comes to mind when you hear...
Spider: Richmond
UR Men's Soccer: honor
Team: love
Coach Peay: wise
Kirk: energetic
Robins Stadium: turf
Practice: preseason
