The 2017 Homecoming bug is upon the Saint Xavier University Football team. This is the time to reconnect with old friends, welcome back fellow alumni, reminisce over the good old college days, and more importantly watch the big game. The Cougars have been doing extremely well in the season so far. They have been the underdogs of the 2017 season since being ranked Number 24 in the NAIA Division Poll. Needless to say, they are proving the conference wrong. The Cougars will be facing the Taylor University Trojans this weekend. In the past two seasons, the Cougars have dominated the Trojans both home and away game situations.
After their season so far, nothing is going to stop the Cougar’s momentum. But before the game, I got the chance to sit down with another member of the football team: Robbie Brindley. Brindley is a senior Defensive back from Clarendon Hills, Illinois majoring in Communications. He also hails from Nazareth Academy High School in LaGrange Park, IL.
When I sat down with Brindley, we talked about how football became a part of his life along with some other fascinating facts that you might not have known before. Take a look and see what this Cougar has to say!
When did you start playing football and why?
Robbie: I started football in 7th grade. I really wanted to try it out since I played travel soccer most of my life. When I played pickup football with my friends in the neighborhood I always played well and loved doing it. But honestly I loved the contact in football compared to soccer and that’s what I loved because I was aggressive in soccer and you get penalized for being aggressive, unlike football when you get praised instead.
Growing up, who was your role model?
Robbie: Growing up my role model was my dad and Grandpa. My Grandpa actually was the one who convinced my mom to play football and for my dad I always have admired his work ethic.
Did you always know you wanted to be a football player?
Robbie: In high school at Nazareth Academy that’s when I knew I wanted to be a college football player.
Why did you come to Saint Xavier University?
Robbie: I came to Saint Xavier because of the winning tradition here at Saint Xavier. Coach Fem had a beautiful ring during an in home visit and that also was really intriguing since I got recruited in 2014 and they won in 2011. I knew that we had a lot of success and he promised me great opportunities to play freshman year as a defensive back.
Any pregame rituals you do?
Robbie: I stretch a lot and listen to music every pregame, but when I listen to music my main guys are Drake and Meek MIll.
What are the top 5 songs you listen to before a game or before you work-out?
Robbie: 1. Legend (Drake), 2. I’m so Groovy (Future), 3.Window Shopper (50 Cent), 4. Been That (Meek Mill), and 5. Burn (Meek Mill)
What was the most memorable game you’ve played?
Robbie: The most memorable game I’ve played in was against Southern Oregon my freshman year when we were in the semifinals. It was the game right before the national championship game. It was also the best competition at receiver I’ve played against in my lifetime. I had a good game against them and that gave me confidence in my playing career going forth.
Being a senior, what will you miss about SXU after you graduate?
Robbie: I will definitely miss seeing all my good friends on the daily.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
Robbie: I want to eventually going into a Consulting Firm concentrated in Human Resources.
Do you have any hobbies?
Robbie: Love to get a quick round of 18 holes anytime.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
Robbie: Cancun is definitely my favorite spot to visit because of the fact thats its been perfect weather every time.
Thanks Robbie for a great interview! It was great talking with you. What a real treat! Check in for the next edition of the Athlete Profile.
If you or anyone you know wants to be the next Athlete Profile, contact me at manika.c01@mymail.sxu.edu.
Christine Manika
Sports Columnist