When did you graduate from Bluffton High School?
I was a member of the first class of Y2K, graduated from Bluffton High School in 2000.
Where did you go to college and what was your major?
I attended the University of Findlay and Capital University, graduating from the University of Findlay with a major in Technology Management and a minor in Computer Science.
What kind of job did you hope to seek?
My mind was always set on soccer, I never imagined doing anything else.
Was working for the Crew (or any similar soccer team) always a goal?
Working as in playing, yes. Outside of that it actually wasn't, my goal was to play as long as possible and then see where I was and what I could do within the sport. Since my playing days have ended it has been great being able to be on the player development side and give back to the sport.
How long have you worked for the Columbus Crew? How did you get the job?
In 2007 MLS required all teams have a player development system. Up to that time I had been involved with the Crew as a player for the professional team and a coach in the youth system. In spring of 2008 I was coaching college soccer and was approached by the Crew about joining the player development system. I have been with the organization now for six years (four in my current role) on the business and competitive side of player development.
Describe what you do as Director of Soccer Business Development?
In short, my role is to assist in the oversight and direction of our player development system, on both the business and competitive (coaching) sides. We have roughly 4,000 players ranging from six years old to our professional team, and my responsibilities include assisting in the business and competitive direction and management of the system.
Do you ever get to play with the team? Do you play with any soccer teams and/or coach a team?
I spent two years as a player with the Columbus Crew before getting into coaching. I currently assistant coach our two Academy teams and head coach two of our pre-academy teams (all high school-aged players). I do jump out and play with the teams from time to time, got to scratch the competitive itch once in a while.
Okay, back to your childhood. When did you get involved in sports? What all did you participate in? What was your favorite sport?
Soccer was the first sport I played starting at age six and have been playing or coaching the sport since then. I also ran track in junior high and played basketball from junior high through high school.
Did you play soccer or other sports in college?
Although my college playing career was cut short due to ACL reconstruction on both my knees, I played soccer throughout college.
Over the years, what did you learn from your various coaches? Does one stand out in your mind as a mentor or influence on your life?
One of the greatest parts about sports is that they are a teacher of life. My coaches during my growth both personally and professionally have taught me the importance of hard work, persistence, discipline and helped me understand and appreciate the importance of preparing and training. I don't believe I would be where I am today without many of the coaches I have been lucky to have. Two very important ones were my high school coaches. In eighth grade I transferred from Ada to Bluffton (Ada did not have a high school soccer program at the time), and the high school coaches at Bluffton, Bill Gaines and Dave Fett, gave me an opportunity to be involved and play.
Share some memories about growing up in this area. Did you always attend Bluffton schools? What kind of extracurricular activities were you involved in?
I attended Ada K-8 and then transferred to Bluffton as a freshman. Ada did not have high school soccer at the time and in order to keep playing, my parents and I had to go through the legal processes and I lived with my aunt and uncle (Denny and Karla Burkholder) to attend Bluffton. Soccer was always a first priority and then basketball in the winter, I was very fortunate to have a great group of friends and a successful high school experience.
Favorite teachers? Stories about you and childhood friends (i.e. high school)? Are there any stories you can share that might have gotten you in trouble way back when?
I was lucky, I didn't have any teachers that I truly disliked. I had a great group of friends in high school that were a positive influence. Now, don't get me wrong we certainly had our fun. As most can attest to, we had to make our own entertainment in Bluffton. I can only share this because we never did anything illegal, but we spent many nights running around town evading the police, campus patrol, random dogs and flood lights.
What do you enjoy most about living in Columbus? How do you spend your non-work hours?
Having just turned 30 (I know, I know), Columbus has a very good social life and the convenience of everything will spoil you. I enjoy working out, music, movies, traveling and the social scene in Columbus.
When you return to Bluffton, what kinds of changes do you see? What do you miss?
Unfortunately I only get to come home about 2-3 times a year, but I always enjoy and look forward to it. The obvious cosmetic changes to the town and then the fact that as I look around I don't really know near as many people as I use too. I always make it a point to swing by Chiles & Sons Laman Funeral home to see Gordon and Jon and then by BFR as I spent many many hours there.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, wow. I plan on being involved in the sport of soccer coaching professionally or collegiately and possibly on the management side where I am now. I do plan on having a family and hopefully kids, but the search for the right girl is still being conducted.
