Fred Hartville. Photo courtesy of the University of Illinois Sports Information

I trained my body to do “good” turns in the time I had. I’d rather do a few good ones and train my body to do it right than a lot of mediocre turns hoping to get a good one.

Fred Hartville

University of Illinois

Men’s Gymnastics

2012-2013 Walk-on; 2013 NCAA Vault Champion; 2013 Big Ten Vault Champion;

Academic All-American; Scholarship

Fred came a little late to the college gymnastics recruiting scene. By the time most coaches knew he was looking they had already committed their few scholarships allotted for gymnastics. He wasn’t on most coach’s radar. They didn’t know Fred increased the level of difficulty for his floor and vault routines his senior year. Fred took the initiative and contacted some coaches. Justin Spring, the Head Men’s Gymnastics Coach for the University of Illinois, showed the most interest. Fred decided to walk-on to the Fighting Illini in hopes of earning a scholarship. He earned it.

WillofaChampion: What was one of your greatest challenges as a Walk-on?

Fred: Proving I’m a good gymnast and that I belong on this team. I’m not a walk-on that won’t contribute. I wanted to be a walk-on that gives my best for the team and proves I have a lot to offer.

Picture credit to IU Sports Information

WillofaChampion: Did you spend extra time practicing compared to your teammates or was it more about using the time you had well?

Fred: I was big on taking quality turns rather than quantity turns. So I focused on using my time better in practice rather than coming in early or staying late to do more. I trained my body to do “good” turns in the time I had. I’d rather do a few good ones and train my body to do it right than a lot of mediocre turns hoping to get a good one. I don’t want it to be a surprise when I hit a good one. I want to stick a landing and react well.

WillofaChampion: Do you have to be more mentally tough as a Walk-on compared to a scholarship athlete?

Fred: My mental toughness wasn’t determined by a scholarship. Not having a scholarship gave me another goal to fight harder for. It made me want it that much more. I knew that potentially I could earn one but if I didn’t prove I deserved it; then the potential wouldn’t matter.

WillofaChampion: How did your teammates receive you?

Fred: The same as anyone else. Most of the gymnasts don’t have a scholarship. If they do it isn’t a lot. And those that do are usually juniors or seniors. It isn’t like football with numerous scholarships. We only get 6.3 scholarships for a 21 man team.

WillofaChampion: Who do you speak with to encourage you when you go through challenging times?

Fred: Many different people for many different problems. One of our other Floor and Vault specialist, Alex Varga, is more consistent on the floor. So I looked to him for advice. I trusted him because we go through the same thing. With vault it was a whole team approach. The team worked to build my confidence yet kept me calm. At the Big Ten tournament they reminded me of all my hard work. At the NCAA tournament they reminded me that I am the Big Ten Champion.

Photo courtesy of IU Sports Information

WillofaChampion: When did you think you had a good chance to win the NCAA tournament?

Fred: The level of difficulty for my Vault was high as a senior in high school. I knew based on what I was doing then that I could compete at this level. It was just a matter of improving and fine tuning different aspects of it. Once I improved and got the number one ranking I knew I could do it.

WillofaChampion: What has this process been like for you and your family?

Fred: Great! I left Atlanta to come here and it was tough. I have nine brothers and sisters, and I am the second oldest. They have been my backbone from my early days with club to where I am now. They’re the ones that have gotten me here. They have encouraged and supported me. They gathered in homes to watch me win the Big Ten and the NCAA. They texted afterward and told me how proud and happy they are for me.

WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream had on the rest of your life?

Fred: It has put me in the history books of the University of Illinois Gymnastics. I am the first freshman NCAA Vault Champion for the University of Illinois. I will have that record forever.

WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for other athletes considering walking-on?

Fred: Walking-on can have a negative connotation. But if you walk-on; give it your best and persevere and you will make it. You might even get a scholarship.

Fred Hartville is majoring in Business Administration. He was the 2012 Georgia High School Floor and Vault State Champion.

Kevin Gates

We run a one week camp for grades 4-9. The most important part of that camp is the alumni that return to run that camp. They tie the tradition and legacy together for our campers.

Kevin Gates

Head Boy’s Lacrosse Coach

Worcester Prep High School

Maryland Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) Champions

2004  2005  2006  2007  2009  2010  2011  2012

Kevin Gates was working on Wall Street when he decided to coach at a Lacrosse camp. He was so adept at coaching that he was offered a job. He pondered the offer for a number of weeks. His heart led him to follow his dream. He became an assistant coach at Salisbury University. He was there three years and helped lead them to a National Runner-up finish his last season. He then coached at Notre Dame for a year before getting his first head coaching job. He started the Shenandoah University’s Lacrosse program from scratch. He was there five years when he took the head job at SUNY Delhi College. After building that program, he began his reign at Worcester Prep in 2003.

WillofaChampion: Do you have a mission, vision or a purpose statement you follow?

Coach Gates: Love them and coach the heck out of ‘em! I learned that and many other life lessons from Hank Janczyk at Gettysburg College.

WillofaChampion: How did you create and maintain a culture of winning?

Coach Gates: Worcester had a winning culture before I arrived. I just didn’t want to mess it up. But I work hard to build on it. I physically watch and scout every team we play. That makes me a little old school but I think it gives me a leg up. I hope my team follows suit in regard to my work ethic. I tell my seniors it has to mean more to them than to me. We also schedule teams that will prepare our players to compete at the next level. We try to play anyone willing to play us. Having started programs at Shenandoah and Delhi, one thing I learned is that you should schedule lighter when building a program. I scheduled too many tough teams at Shenandoah. Schedule lighter and develop that winning attitude. Once you start winning then schedule tougher teams.

WillofaChampion: What have you done to cultivate a team-first attitude amongst your players?

Coach Gates: I meet with the kids at the beginning of the year and ask them to commit to the guy next to them. They have to put the team first. If we ask them to switch positions or to play a combination of JV and Varsity – the response I want to hear from them is, “whatever you need coach.”

WillofaChampion: How do you instill mental and physical discipline in your athletes?

Coach Gates: We do a physical 3 on 3 Shut Off drill. It is basically 3 on 3 and you have to make 3 consecutive passes while the opposing team plays tough man to man defense. We do that for fifteen minutes for our conditioning. If you do it for 15 minutes the last 5 minutes are grueling and you find out a lot about a player in that 5 minutes. Mentally you really have to keep your mind in check.

WillofaChampion: What do you expect from the captains or leaders of your team?

Coach Gates: We just picked our captains. I have a captain and an assistant captain. I ask them to commit to being part of something bigger than themselves. They have to put their self interest after the teams. If they have a bad day, they have to respond positively because everyone is watching them. Their leadership is more important than how they play.

WillofaChampion: What do you do to develop leadership skills in your players?

Coach Gates: I challenge our captains with questions. I expect them to be the eyes and ears of the locker room and let me know what I need to know. I ask our captains who they think will be a good captain for the future.

WillofaChampion: How do you invest in the adolescents or children that may join your program in the future?

Coach Gates: We run a one week camp for grades 4-9. The most important part of that camp is the alumni that return to run that camp. They tie the tradition and legacy together for our campers. I attended camp at Hobart College. They started every day with a 15 minute talk from one of the coaches. They talked about life and lacrosse. We have our former players do the same at our camp. We have players come that don’t go to school here. I got a letter from a player in Pennsylvania that enjoyed our camp so much he wishes he could come to school here. The last day of camp we have all the kids play the coaches. The kids love it. They get to play against the guys they used to watch on our team.

While attending Nassau Community College Coach Gates won two junior college national championships. At SUNY Delhi College Coach Gates was the National Junior College Coach of the Year in 2002 and led the Broncos to a national 6^th place finish.

Interview: April, 2013

Jordan Giusti Saint Mary’s College

You might think that the other players are too fast, strong, big, and athletic – but working hard will make you faster, stronger, bigger, and more athletic. You just have to keep working.

Jordan Giusti

Saint Mary’s College

Men’s Basketball

2011-2012: Walk-on, Red-shirt Season did not see any game action

2012-2013: Games Played 35; Games Started 2 (Both in NCAA Tournament); Averaged 16.5 minutes

Jordan grew up in Danville, California just 15 minutes from Saint Mary’s College. He attended San Ramon Valley High School. He didn’t know where he’d go to college after high school. When he was accepted to Saint Mary’s the coaches let him know they were interested in having him walk-on. Jordan was seriously considering another school but decided Saint Mary’s was the best fit for him. He took the coaches offer and walked-on.

WillofaChampion: Do you know why you weren’t offered a scholarship coming out of high school?

Jordan: Not really. I didn’t have an “eye opening” highlight film. But I did have good statistics and was the MVP of our league (East Bay Athletic League). I thought I might get a scholarship. Maybe schools just overlooked me.

Photo courtesy of Tod Fierner, Saint Mary’s Athletics

WillofaChampion: What was one of your greatest challenges as a walk-on?
Jordan: Earning the respect of the guys in the program. It takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight and that is how it should be. I had to show them I was willing to work hard to get better and earn their respect.

WillofaChampion: Did you have to spend extra-time outside of practice?

Jordan: I had to do the extra to earn a spot in our rotation. My red-shirt season I spent extra time playing one-on-one with Matt Hodgsons – he is a big guy (Center 6’11 255lbs), worked out, practiced shooting, and played hard against our starters – some of the best players in the country.

WillofaChampion: Do you have to be more mentally tough as a walk-on compared to a scholarship player?

Jordan: I don’t know what it is like to be a scholarship player. I think you have to be mentally tough regardless of whether or not you have a scholarship.

WillofaChampion: How did your teammates receive you?

Jordan: Initially they probably thought it was nice I was getting a chance. But once I earned their respect I was part of the team.  That is the way it should be.

WillofaChampion: How did your coaches receive you?

Jordan: They thought I had talent and could play. They knew that if I worked I could contribute to the team in practice and in games. They believed in me.

WillofaChampion: Why do you think you’ve made it when other walk-ons do not?

Jordan: Some people walk-on hoping to make the team. Others walk-on wanting to prove they can play for the team. I love playing basketball so I wanted to do more than make the team.

WillofaChampion: Who do you speak with for encouragement when you go through challenging times?

Jordan: My brothers, brother-in-law, sister, grandparents, mom and dad – my family. They’ve been through a lot. We’ve had to overcome a lot of adversity so we’re used to being there for each other. We encourage each other.

WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream and earning it up to this point had on the rest of your life?

Jordan: Earning peoples respect and admiration for my hard work and playing the game has been special. But I have three more years and a lot more I want to do.

WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for other student-athletes considering walking-on?

Jordan: Don’t expect any hand-outs. If you love the game and work hard it will pay off. You might think that the other players are too fast, strong, big, and athletic – but working hard will make you faster, stronger, bigger, and more athletic. You just have to keep working. If you work and have game you will get there.

Jordan scored a career high 8 points against Northern Iowa, Loyola Marymount, and Portland.

Interview: April, 2013

J.D. Harmon
University of Kentucky

You have to be determined, work hard, and consistent. You can’t take days off. You have to wake-up knowing you’re going to be better than you were yesterday.

J.D. Harmon

University of Kentucky

Football

2012 – Freshman Walk-on 

Played in 12 games  24 tackles  2 interceptions

Earned a Scholarship

J. D. was highly recruited coming out of Tilghman High School in Paducah, Kentucky. He got a lot of letters and phone calls. University of Kentucky offered him a scholarship but he didn’t accept it initially. He wanted to ponder his opportunities. Once he decided to take the scholarship it was no longer available. But J.D. wanted to be a Wildcat. So he decided to walk-on. He would get to play with his former high school teammate, Josh Forrest. Their high school coach had also played for UK.

WillofaChampion: What was one of your greatest challenges as a walk-on?

J.D.: Changing positions from receiver to corner. I was planning to be a receiver. Before camp started Coach Phillips (Former UK Head Coach Joker Phillips, now with the University of Florida) asked me if I would be willing to switch to corner. I told him I am a team player. If the team needed me at corner then I would change. It wasn’t a big deal.

WillofaChampion: Did you spend extra time working-out and practicing compared to your teammates or was it more about making the most of the time in practice?

J.D.: Fred Tiller, Cody Quinn and I are close and competitive. We push each other in practice and work out together. Some of the older guys would work out and do DB drills with us. That helped a lot.

J.D. Harmon #15

WillofaChampion: Do you have to be more mentally tough as a walk-on compared to a scholarship player?

J.D.: You have to be real patient. A lot of guys give-up because they don’t think they’re getting the same treatment as other players. But you have to keep working and be humble and patient. If you’re working hard enough and stick with it more than likely you will earn a scholarship.

WillofaChampion: How did your teammates receive you?

J.D.: They treated me just like they do the scholarship players. We all get along, hang out, joke around, we’re a big family. It’s like that for me and any other walk-on.

WillofaChampion: How did your coaches receive you?

J.D.: They treated me just like I was on a scholarship. If I wanted more time to watch film or work on something they were there. They’ve guided me through all our processes. They really don’t give favoritism. They treat everyone fairly.

J.D. Harmon

WillofaChampion: Why do you think you’ve made it when other walk-ons do not?

J.D.: I was determined. I knew they wanted me here because they had offered me a scholarship. Coach Phillips was honest through the whole process of offering me the scholarship and when it was no longer available. He didn’t sugar-coat anything. I knew I had to work hard and stick with it.

WillofaChampion: When you went through challenging times, whom did you speak with to encourage you?

J.D.: Definitely my teammate Cody Quinn. We’re like brothers. He’s always there for me.

WillofaChampion: What was it like getting your scholarship?

J.D.: I was excited. My mom and dad were very proud. They were emotional and excited for me. They’re behind me.

WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream had on the rest of your life?

J.D.: A big impact. I am the first person in my family to go to college. I had a lot of weight on my shoulders but it has been good.

WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for other student-athletes considering walking-on?

J.D.: They need to know it isn’t easy. You have to be determined and ready for other obstacles that come with it. A lot of guys hope to get a scholarship but there are only a few to go around. You have to be determined, work hard, and consistent. You can’t take days off. You have to wake-up knowing you’re going to be better than you were yesterday. Know that there will be someone working hard and you have to work harder.

Interview: March 22, 2013

Nick Colella
Penn State University

Work every day to achieve that goal. You don’t need to make a big stride every day. But make little strides every day. You will get there.

Nick Colella

Penn State University

Men’s Basketball

2008-2009: Penn State-Behrend Division III. Played in 22 Games

2009-2010: Played in 16 Games. Academic All-Conference

2010-2011: Transfer. Walked-on to Penn State Division I. Red-shirt year

2011-2012: Scholarship. Played in 26 Games, Started 6

2012-2013: Scholarship. Played in 30 Games. Started 13

I played my freshman and sophomore seasons for Penn State-Behrend, a Division III branch campus. They didn’t offer a Physical Education degree so I transferred to the main campus. I’ve always dreamed of playing Division I basketball. I started preparing for walking-on. I worked-out all summer. When I got to school I played pick-up basketball with the women’s team for two months. The walk-on try-outs were October 15^th and here I am.

Nick Colella
Penn State University

WillofaChampion: What has been one of your greatest challenges as a Walk-on?

Nick: When I first arrived it was hard to convince people that I can play here. Some thought I couldn’t because I’d played Division III before coming here.

WillofaChampion: Did you spend extra time training and practicing or did you focus more on making the most of your time in practice?

Nick: Both. I was strong and fast when I got here. That part of my game wasn’t a problem. I had to learn the speed of the game. So I spent time before and after practice in the gym. I also had to transform my position. At this level I am a Point Guard. I improved my ball handling skills and shooting consistency.

WillofaChampion: Do you think you have to be more mentally tough as a walk-on?

Nick: 100% yes. The grind of practicing every single day with the thought that you may never play forces you to be mentally tough. That thought hurts. It is tough to sit on that bench when you want to play so badly – knowing that tomorrow you will do the full work-out because you didn’t play the night before. It can be a long grind. It definitely makes you mentally tougher.

WillofaChampion: How did your teammates receive you?

Nick: When I first arrived I knew one of the guys on the team. I played him in high school. My locker was next to him. He was friendly and really welcomed me to the team. But when you step on the court it is all competition. My first year those guys helped me develop my inner drive to compete. We’re friends outside basketball but once we step between the lines it is all business.

WillofaChampion: How did your coaches receive you?

Nick: Very welcoming. After my walk-on try-out Coach Chambers called me in his office to get to know me. He asked about my family, what I was studying in school and general things before bringing me on the team. Once I was on the team they spent time after practice teaching me plays and helping me learn the program.

Nick Colella
Penn State University

WillofaChampion: Why do you think you’ve made it when other walk-ons do not?

Nick: I don’t know about others. I know I put a lot of time and work into it. When the challenge came I knew I was prepared. I wasn’t nervous and I had no fear. If you’re scared walking-on is very difficult. I wasn’t scared. I was ready for that moment and gave it everything I had.

WillofaChampion: When you go through challenging times, who do you speak with to encourage you?

Nick: My whole family – dad, mom, and brothers. I wouldn’t be here without them. They’re the ones that encouraged me to go for it. They said I could do it. Without them I wouldn’t be here.

WillofaChampion: How did you find out you were getting a scholarship?

Nick: It was after a practice a couple days before January last year. Coach told me he was happy with the time I was putting in and the way I was playing. He told me I deserved a scholarship and that they were going to give me one.

WillofaChampion: What was it like telling your parents?

Nick: My parents started screaming over the phone, they were so happy! Everyone knows how expensive colleges are so it is a real relief.

WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream and earning it had on the rest of your life?

Nick: Anything worth having is worth working for. Anything I’ve gotten up to this point I’ve had to work for. I’ve learned that if I put in the time and work I can achieve it.

WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for other athletes considering walking-on?

Nick: We just had our alumni weekend and a father and son just asked me the same thing. Have a vision and work for it. Set goals. Work every day to achieve that goal. You don’t need to make a big stride every day. But make little strides every day. You will get there.

Nick is majoring in kinesiology.

Interview: March 12, 2013

Alex Barlow

There are opportunities for anyone that works hard and strives to be the best.

Alex Barlow

Butler University

Basketball

2011-2012: Walk-on played in 16 games

2012-2013: Played in 27 games. Started 20

Alex Barlow grew-up playing basketball and baseball. He played both for Cincinnati Moeller High School. Alex and his dad initially thought he’d be a collegiate baseball player. But as he went through his last season of summer baseball he knew he couldn’t say good-bye to his first love – basketball. He not only loved playing basketball but aspires to coach it as well. Alex shared his ambitions with his high school coach. They thought about and discussed Alex’s options. They both believed that Butler would be a great fit for Alex. Alex sent Butler’s head basketball coach, Brad Stevens, some game tapes. Coach Stevens made a trip to watch Alex play. Alex visited Butler University and decided to walk-on.

Alex Barlow against Indiana

WillofaChampion: What has been one of your greatest challenges as a walk-on?

Alex: Adjusting to the speed and skill set of the game at this level. Not playing AAU basketball in high school was a factor. It took me a while to adjust. But the gap made me work harder. I wanted to make an impact whether I played in a game or not. I want to help my team by being the best I can be.

WillofaChampion: Did you have to spend extra time working-out and practicing to help close that gap or was it more about making the most of the time you had in practice?

Alex: The practices definitely helped. Playing against people that have a high skill set and are athletic and bigger and stronger helped me a lot. But at the same time I had to catch up so I did spend extra time in the gym.

WillofaChampion: Do you have to be more mentally tough as a walk-on compared to a scholarship player?

Alex: I don’t know if you have to be more mentally tough. I think that in order to be a division one athlete you have to be mentally tough. There are many ups and downs. Most of these guys were the best players on their team in high school and things typically went their way. In college things don’t typically  go your way. So I think in general everyone has to be mentally tough.

Alex Barlow against Ball State

WillofaChampion: How did your teammates receive you?

Alex: A program like Butler does a great job with walk-ons. When we first came in Coach Stevens emphasized that we are all part of this team. They treated me well. We hang out a lot. Everyone here is treated great. It has been a wonderful experience.

WillofaChampion: How did your coaches receive you?

Alex: The coaches treat walk-ons just like they treat the scholarship players. If we’re doing things well we receive praise and if we’re slacking they get on us. That is a great thing because you know you’re one of the guys when that happens. We much rather be told how to improve than ignored.

WillofaChampion: Why do you think you’ve made it when other Walk-ons do not?

Alex: I honestly don’t know. I think it could be the circumstances. We had two guards that had to leave which might have opened an opportunity for me. I’ve worked really hard to improve. I try to play the hardest during practice. If you’re tough and  play hard you will get others attention. Thankfully, I was able to get the attention of my coaches and teammates. That has allowed me to earn some playing time.

WillofaChampion: Who do you talk to for encouragement when you go through challenging times?

Alex: My dad and family. They are there for me when I go through tough times. I wouldn’t be here today without the support of my parents. Butler isn’t a cheap school but my parents encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I also get advice from some older friends that are division one athletes. We can talk to our coaches too.

WillofaChampion: What’s it like when your parents get to see you play?

Alex: My dad has been to 90% of our games. My mom watches or listens to all of them. They enjoy it and are proud of me. It is great.

WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream had on the rest of your life?

Alex: A pretty big impact. I know that for the rest of my life if I pursue my dreams and work hard opportunities will open up. That goes for anyone, not just me. There are opportunities for anyone that works hard and strives to be the best.

WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for others considering walking-on?

Alex: Follow your dreams. If your dream is to be a division one athlete and your option is to walk-on, then go for it. It won’t always work out but that is life. You want to give yourself a chance. You don’t want to go through life wishing you had tried to do something. If you take the leap of faith and walk-on, even if you never play, it is a success.

Interview – February 27, 2013

John McKissick. Head Football Coach Summerville High School. Photo courtesy of Arnie Jacob

Hard work and set goals. One thing that never changes in athletics is discipline. You need it to be successful.

John McKissick

Head Football Coach

Summerville High School

601-47-13 Career Record

South Carolina High School State Champions

1955  1956  1969  1978  1979  1982  1983  1984  1986  1998

Classes AAAA I, AAAA, AAA, and C

Coach McKissick addressing the team. Photo credit to Arnie Jacob

John McKissick was born in 1926. He became Summerville’s head football coach in 1952. In 2012, at the age of 86, he earned career victory 601. He has won more football games than any other football coach regardless of level: high school, college, or pro. He is the only football coach to win 600 games. In his 61 years of coaching he has never missed a game. Coach McKissick modeled and learned from legendary Oklahoma University Head Football Coach Bud Wilkinson.

Photo courtesy of Arnie Jacob

WillofaChampion: What is your purpose, mission, or vision for your student-athletes?

Coach McKissick: To make good citizens and responsible members of the community. I want the players to remember that I was fair while I pushed them to the limits of what they could achieve.

WillofaChampion: How did you maintain a culture of winning?

Coach McKissick: If they worked hard and gave their best in football, as well as life, things would and will turn out good for them. Winning is positive, losing is negative.

WillofaChampion: What have you done to cultivate a team-first attitude amongst your players?

Coach McKissick: “Team” means no symbols to stand out such as long hair, earrings, etc. I’ve always stressed “team” first and emphasized that bad things happen when you think only of yourself. You can’t be a winner unless “team” comes first.

John McKissick and his Assistant Coaches. Photo courtesy of Arnie Jacob

WillofaChampion: How do you instill physical and mental discipline in your athletes?

Coach McKissick: Hard work and set goals. One thing that never changes in athletics is discipline. You need it to be successful. If one person messes up, it affects the entire team. I keep preaching “team” first. The most important thing in athletics is getting each player in the right position.

Photo credit to Arnie Jacob

WillofaChampion: What do you expect from the captains or leaders of your team?

Coach McKissick: Lead by example. I expect them to set an example for the other players rather than being vocal.

WillofaChampion: How do you develop leadership skills in your players?

Coach McKissick: By out working others in position drills. Again, lead by example. Most leaders are more mature and positive in their thinking and actions than others.

Football  Coach with the most victories, regardless of level. Photo credit to Arnie Jacob

WillofaChampion: How do you “invest” in the adolescents and children that may join your program?

Coach McKissick: At times we have had camp for younger guys run by varsity athletes and coaches. We strive to get parents involved. If they like what they learn and see they’ll want their kids to participate. We have little league football programs in our town organized by our Sertoma Club. The Sertoma Club members coach the young teams and teach them good sportsmanship. We have middle school teams organized by the principals who get our Physical Education teachers involved. We have a large high school population. Our B-team is made up of ninth graders while the JV team has both ninth and tenth graders. Eleven and twelfth graders are mainly our varsity players. Occasionally we have an exceptionally good younger player that we move up to the varsity level.

John McKissick was voted the High School Coach of the year in 1980, 1994, and 2003. Coach McKissick’s Offensive Coordinator is his grandson, Joe Call. John McKissick also serves as Summerville’s Athletic Director.

I just focused on playing soccer and school work and eventually I got to play

Saad Abdul-Salaam

The University of Akron

Walk-on

Men’s Soccer

2011 – Did not play

2012 – Walk-on. Played in 13 games. Started 4

Saad was a late bloomer. As a high school junior he was 5’6. His senior year he hit a growth spurt. He is now 6’3. He helped lead Gahanna Lincoln High School to the state championship. When he graduated he wasn’t sure if he wanted to go to college. Three of his friends from the Cleveland based Internationals Boys Soccer Club, Darlington Nagbe, Chris Korb and Michael Nanchoff, were playing for The University of Akron. Akron won the Men’s Soccer National Championship in 2010. Saad decided to join his friends and become a Zip.

WillofaChampion: What has been one of your greatest challenges as a walk-on?

Saad: I didn’t stay in great shape the year I sat out (Saad waited a year before walking-on so he could focus on his grades). So I had to work hard to catch up physically and mentally to compete at this level.

WillofaChampion: What did you do to catch up physically and mentally?

Saad: The thought of giving up did cross my mind. I talked to my dad, brothers and friends and they encouraged me to keep going. I just focused on playing soccer and school work and eventually I got to play.

WillofaChampion: Did you have to spend extra time working out?

Saad: When I first joined the team it took a while to figure out how to balance the demands of soccer and class work at the same time. But over the summer I worked very hard and that helped me get ready for the fall.

WillofaChampion: Do you think you have to be more mentally tough as a walk-on compared to a scholarship player?

Saad: Yes. The coaches know the scholarship players. They don’t know the walk-ons. So a walk-on has to do his best every day. The walk-on has to be ready physically and mentally for whenever his opportunity comes.

WillofaChampion: How did your teammates receive you?

Saad: I knew a number of the players when I joined. They accepted me right away.

WillofaChampion: How did your coaches receive you?

Saad: They treated me the same as they did everyone else. Actually, they probably put more pressure on scholarship players. I had to work to earn their attention because they hadn’t seen me before. They evaluate all of us every day.

WillofaChampion: Why do you think you’ve made it when other walk-ons do not?

Saad: Thinking about my dad and family. I want to make it for them. I push through for them.

WillofaChampion: You obviously speak with your family when you go through tough times.

Saad: Talking to my dad helps me get through tough days. I don’t know if he knows it. My older brother is there for me too. My mom keeps me level-headed. My family is my back-bone and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

WillofaChampion: Your family must’ve been thrilled when you got your opportunity to play.

Saad: Yes. Even when I wasn’t playing my mom always made the trip from Columbus. She was really happy when I got to play. It is a joy for me to see my family’s excitement when I play.

WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream had on the rest of your life?

Saad: Big impact. Soccer has been important to me since I was able to walk. I played lots of sports growing up. I chose to focus on soccer. I’ve worked to make my dreams come true.

WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for other athletes considering walking-on?

Saad: Never give-up regardless of what others might tell you. If you know deep down inside that you can do it then do it. Talk with your family and friends. Never give up, never listen to negative people and pursue your dreams.

Saad played for two club state championship teams; U-15 and U-16.

Interview: February 12, 2013

Jeric Magnant

I am addicted to progress

Jeric Magnant

University of New Mexico

Football

2010: Walk-on

2011: Redshirt Freshman played in 6 games starting 2

2012: Played in 10 games starting 4. Scholarship.

Opening Week – “New Mexico Man”

Jeric went to Rio Rancho High School which is a little less than two miles from the University of New Mexico. Jeric admits he was small in both height and weight coming out of high school, “I didn’t get many schools looking at me, not even smaller schools. But I always had the confidence that I could play with the best of the best. That is why I chose to walk-on to the University of New Mexico rather than a division II school.”

WillofaChampion: What has been one of your greatest challenges as a walk-on?

Jeric: The critics. I wasn’t supposed to be as good as the other guys. I wasn’t supposed to be able to do the things they could do. My biggest challenge was to regain the confidence that I had in high school – the belief that at my best I can be the best.

WillofaChampion: Did you have to spend extra-time running, lifting, and practicing?

Jeric: Yes. You don’t get the attention from coaches that scholarship players do; they don’t have as much invested in you. So I worked more in the weight room and on the practice field. Giving the extra is in my blood thanks to my dad. But I also had to if I was going to earn a spot.

WillofaChampion: Do you have to be more mentally tough as a walk-on compared to a scholarship player?

Jeric: You have to be mentally tough to play football no matter what. But you have to be especiallymentally tough as a walk-on. You won’t make it if you’re not. You need a “chip on your shoulder”to prove yourself and show them you belong.

WillofaChampion: How did your teammates receive you when you first walked-on?

Jeric: To be brutally honest they probably didn’t think I belong here. I was slow and scrawny. I wasn’t getting attention or respect from others. No one was intentionally mean. I just had to earn their respect – and not just through hard work. I had to show them I could play the game. It also helps that I’ve grown a few inches and gotten stronger.

WillofaChampion: How did your coaches receive you?

Jeric: I was recruited by the previous defensive coordinator. He was clear that they weren’t going to offer me a scholarship. But I was going to have the chance to be a preferred walk-on meaning I got to go to camp. That was huge for me. When I got there my team-mates had nice UNM clothes and shoes. I got scrubs. I was at the back of the weight room. The coaches didn’t really seek to help me or support me. I had to sink or swim on my own.

WillofaChampion: Why do you think you’ve made it when other walk-ons do not?

Jeric: I wasn’t ready for division one coming out of high school. I just kept working day after day. I kept a positive attitude – and that was my number one focus. I kept telling myself that I made the right choice. I took some heat for not accepting walk-on offers from smaller schools. But I didn’t want anything less than division one. So I just focused on each day and kept working every day. The day-to-day grind isn’t for everyone and that is why some don’t make it. I embrace the day to day grind. I am addicted to progress. I liked getting better and seeing my body get stronger. I am a late bloomer. I increased significantly in height, weight, and speed after I got to UNM. I really like that.

WillofaChampion: Who did you talk to when you went through challenging times?

 Jeric: My dad and Lamar Thomas. I’ve always been able to talk to my dad. But then it was Lamaar Thomas. Back when I was wearing scrubs and no one else was talking to me. Lamar, one of our top players, came over and introduced himself. He was polite and charismatic. I was just a young kid from New Mexico and he was this big time transfer from Ohio State. He wasn’t just a teammate to me; he was like a star. He just started talking to me one day. I got fired up and asked him question after question. He took me to his house after practice to work on drills. In tough times he encouraged me. He was my mentor.

WillofaChampion: Maybe someday you will return the kindness to someone else.

Jeric: I’ve already worked with another walk-on to show him the tactics Lamaar showed me. We talk because I know what he is going through.

WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream had on the rest of your life?

Jeric: A huge impact. This is a dream. In college you have to be self-motivated to go to class and get your work done. But when you have a dream and something your passionate about – it makes those other things easier. You do them for your dream and passion. Focusing day in and day out on my dream has kept me on the right path.

When I first got here I was often on my own. But I refused to let that become an excuse to not go after my dream. I wouldn’t let myself do that. I just kept going day after day.

WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for other athletes considering walking on?

Jeric: Embrace the roll of the walk-on. Some guys see the term “walk-on” as a negative. Embrace it with a chip on your shoulder. Then you will appreciate and respect who you are. Some walk-ons tell others that they had a scholarship offer but it fell through or something like that. Don’t say any of that. You’re a walk-on. We have to overcome more than others but that is what makes it great.

WillofaChampion: What was it like when you found out you were getting a scholarship?

Jeric: It was cool. Coach Davie started a tradition called The New Mexico Man. On game day a walk-on leads the team out carrying the New Mexico flag. I got to do the first game. After that game he told me he was going to put me on scholarship. He announced it in the next day in our team meeting. The whole team stood-up and applauded. That was a special moment for me.

My first instinct was to think I finally did it. But I realized I couldn’t think that way. I had to see it as a step in the process. I am a competitor and I want more. But I am extremely grateful.

WillofaChampion: What was it like telling your parents?

Jeric: I didn’t tell them over the phone. I waited until I went home. They were excited and hugged me. It was special.

Interview: January 29, 2013

Matt Raymer

Dedication. Perseverance. I just kept doing what I wanted to do and stayed positive.

Matt Raymer

University of New Mexico

Football

2009: Walk-on. No statistics

2010: No statistics

2011: Played in 7 games

2012: Played in 11 games, starting 10

Matt attended Albuquerque Manzano High School. He was offered a wrestling scholarship from a division II school his senior year. But Matt wanted to play division one football. A good education was important to him as well. A strength coach encouraged Matt to walk-on to the University of New Mexico’s football team. Matt turned down the scholarship to become a Lobo.

WillofaChampion: What has been one of your greatest challenges as a Walk-on?

Matt: We had a number of coaching changes at UNM. I found myself constantly having to prove I can play.  The fact that I wasn’t the biggest or fastest guy didn’t help.

WillofaChampion: How did you prove yourself to your coaches?

Matt: Working as hard as I can. I try to be a leader through my actions in everything that I do. My teammates and coaches trusted me because of my consistent hard work.

WillofaChampion: Did you spend more time working-out, lifting, and running compared to your teammates?

Matt: I tried to give 100% effort in all our work-outs. One thing that can really separate athletes is their work ethic. Those that give 100% effort for the full work-out will outperform those that give a lackluster effort. I also spent extra-time working out.

WillofaChampion: Do you have to be more mentally tough as a walk-on compared to a scholarship player?

Matt: I think so. I went three years without a scholarship and two years with one – so I know the difference and it is a big one. After practice players are very hungry. The scholarship players head-up to the training table while the walk-ons have to fend for themselves. It can get frustrating. A walk-on puts in 40 hours a week for the love of the game. But it all pays off in the end.

WillofaChampion: How did your teammates receive you?

Matt: They were skeptical. I’m not the biggest or fastest guy and they didn’t know anything about me. Once they saw my work ethic I earned their respect. I had to do that a couple of times. I got a scholarship once but with the coaching changes I lost it. The second scholarship I got I held on to.

WillofaChampion: How did your coaches receive you?

Matt: For the most part they liked me because I worked hard and was a smart player. Some coaches didn’t believe I could get the job done on Saturdays. They respected me but didn’t trust me. When I finally got an opportunity I tried to take full advantage of it.

WillofaChampion: Why do you think you’ve made it when other walk-ons do not?

Matt: Dedication. Perseverance. I just kept doing what I wanted to do and stayed positive.

WillofaChampion: When you went through challenging times with whom did you speak to encourage you?

Matt: My dad and my brother. They have really supported me through everything.

WillofaChampion: What was it like when you got your scholarship?

Matt: Coach Locksley (Head Coach before Bob Davie) called six of us into his office and said we were being put on scholarship for one year. No guarantees after that. The following year would be based on how we played this year. It was exciting.

WillofaChampion: What was it like telling your parents you got a scholarship?

Matt: They were very excited! My dad was the first person I called and told. That money just helped everyone so much. It paid for everything.

WillofaChampion: What impact has following your dream and earning it had on the rest of your life?

Matt: Football helps develop so many important areas of life: hard work ethic, leadership, and team work. It’s taught me that you don’t have to be the head honcho to be the leader.

WillofaChampion: What advice do you have for others considering walking-on?

Matt: Don’t hesitate. You don’t want to live with regret so you have to try. Try it out. You will enjoy it and the times you don’t will get better. If you have a dream follow it.

Matt is majoring in Civil-Engineering

Interview: January 29, 2013