NAIA HM All-American

Little All-American

Graduation Year: 1985

Major at AU/AC: Physical Education / Exercise Science

Hometown: Vero Beach, Florida

High School: Vero Beach, Florida

MY RAVEN STORY...

WHAT LED YOU TO DECIDE TO ATTEND ANDERSON UNIVERSITY (COLLEGE)?

I come from a family with strong Church of God traditions, so AU was always part of the discussion. While I considered other options, in the end, the nationally ranked competitiveness of the football program at the time was a strong draw. I also had family in the area which certainly helped.

WHAT IMPORTANT THINGS DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF AT ANDERSON THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO SUCCESS IN YOUR POST AC/AU LIFE?

I missed two seasons due to season ending injuries, and had performance limiting injuries two of my four years. Through these setbacks, I learned to deal with disappointment and self doubt which comes from significant injury. I learned the value of perseverance and hard work when consistently applied to life’s challenges.. I had first hand experienced overcoming meaningful setbacks through focused and consistent work to get better one day at a time. I also faced the struggle with quitting and going home during times the obstacles seemed too hard and the road back too long. In those times you come face to face with the reality of your commitment to a goal. These lessons have served me well as there have been ample opportunities to face meaningful challenges thought life.

WAS THERE AN INDIVIDUAL - COACH, TEAMMATE, ADMINISTRATOR OR OTHER - THAT WAS MOST INFLUENTIAL TO YOUR ATHLETIC SUCCESS AT ANDERSON?

I was fortunate enough to join the football team in the fall of 1980. That team was stacked with outstanding athletes, and numerous All Americans. I joined a defense with names like Rudy, Stoneking, Everhard (sp), Wood, Kincaid, and on and on. For example, of the eleven of us who started on defense in the National Playoffs the following year, eight were or went on to become All Americans on defense alone. The play of these men set defensive records which still stand today. They set an expectation of excellence younger players felt obligated to live up to. There was an inherent hunger to join the elite club these outstanding athletes were part of. Throughout my career, I was always looking to achieve enough to feel like I wouldn’t disappoint them.

PLEASE SHARE A GREAT MEMORY YOU HAVE OF ANDERSON UNIVERSITY:

It’s rumored I might not have always been the poster child for the ideal Anderson University student athlete. I been further suggested I may have had opportunities to interact with then Dean H.L. Baker in a “professional capacity.” Through those interactions, Mr. Baker impacted my life in profound ways I had no realization of in the moment. Only as time passed, and wisdom grew through hard earned life lessons, did I realize the impact this grace filled, patient, and Godly man had on my life. I owe much to him, and continually remind the school to not forget what modeling Christ to young and often hard headed men looks like, and the long term impact of that investment on the lives of these individuals.

OUTSIDE OF ATHLETICS, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER GREAT MEMORIES DURING YOUR TIME AS A RAVEN?

There's a bond that comes from the shared suffering of a sport like football. To experience the highs and lows of shared experiences with others. To sweat and bleed in the pursuit of a goal, to support of each other when there’s no one else who can, these things build bonds between men like nothing else can. I have friends I haven’t seen in years, but I know would come to my aid as I wold theirs in a heart beat if needed today. Shared experiences form memories and relationships which transcend words….

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT TRYING TO DECIDE WHETHER TO ATTEND ANDERSON UNIVERSITY OR ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

Anderson University is a great school with diverse opportunities across a wide spectrum of activities. The opportunity to learn, grow, experience, and discover yourself is available to each person. The key to a successful experience comes from the complete commitment to the challenge of that level of commitment . Anderson University will offer you the opportunity to experience life lived on the edge of your athletic, intellectual, and spiritual abilities if you allow it. A commitment to the complete immersion into all aspects of campus life and relationships will provide you a safe place to learn about yourself while discovering your interests, abilities, and growth areas. It will truly prepare you for life after school in a holistic way.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS;
I want to leave heart felt thanks to the coaches, professors, administrators, sports medicine staff, teammates, and classmates who impacted my life by example, experiences, and memories I will carry with me the remainder of my life.
What led you to decide to attend Anderson University (College)?