The Cougar Football team’s second half of the season is underway, and these Cougars are hungry. This is where their strength, endurance, and state of minds are tested. The real work begins now. These next games of the regular season will define who the Cougars are as a team. They already proved that they can handle any situation by beating Trinity International in crazy weather conditions. That was the first game that weather was a factor in the season. They came out victorious. Besides, a little rain never hurt anybody.
The Cougars were back at home last weekend against conference opponent St. Ambrose Fighting Bees. For one thing, Mother Nature was a lot kinder to the Cougars. But the biggest story of the day was Alex Martinez starting as the quarterback. For those who are not aware, Justin Hunniford started as the quarterback against Trinity International.
At the beginning of the second quarter, Hunniford went down and Martinez stepped in to pick up where Hunniford left off. If you feel like this has happened before, you’re not wrong. Alex Martinez had to step in last year for the first string quarterback because of an injury as well. It’s safe to say that Martinez is feeling a little bit of déjà vu. With that being said, I actually had the pleasure of talking with Alex Martinez.
Martinez is second of the two quarterbacks at SXU, but really they are pretty much at the same playing level. He is a sophomore from Burbank, Illinois coming from St. Laurence High School. When I sat down with Alex, we talked about life at Saint Xavier , how football became a part of his life, and his relationship with Justin Hunniford. Let’s see what this Cougar quarterback has to say!
When did you start playing football and why?
Alex: I started playing football when I was in first grade. The reason I started is because I was actually on my way to sign up for Fall Ball Baseball with my mom when my dad called us. He said his co-worker just signed his kids up for football. So my mom and dad asked me if I wanted to try football out instead, since I already played baseball in the spring. I said sure, and I fell in love with it and have loved it ever since.
Growing up, who was your role model?
Alex: Growing up I would say my dad was my role model. He was a firefighter, which I always thought was the coolest job because you get to save people that are in trouble. Also he was always my baseball coach so I always looked up to him more than I would if he was just my father.
Why did you come to Saint Xavier University?
Alex: They showed the most interest in me during the recruiting process. So I came and visited and loved the atmosphere and the rich history and success of the football program. Plus it is close to home so my family could come to see me play.
What is your favorite subject?
Alex: I would say my favorite subject is probably English.
What are the top 5 songs you listen to before a game or before you work-out?
Alex: “Hell and Back”, “City on my Back”, “Boys of Fall”, “Not Afraid”, and “Drinking Town with a Football Problem”.
Do you have any superstitions?
Justin: Before games I won’t really eat a lot, especially if we are on a winning streak and I haven’t been eating before each win.
How does it feel to have someone like Justin Hunniford cheering you on and vice versa?
Alex: It’s pretty cool. Justin and I have a good friendship on and off the field even though we’ve been competing. There’s no rivalry because we each want to see each other succeed and we each make each other better. He’ll help me out if I mess up, and he’ll be the first person in my ear telling me to keep my head up and get the next one, and vice versa: if he messes up I’m the first one picking him up. We both know we each have each other’s backs.
What is something on your bucket list?
Alex: Something on my bucket list is to visit every state in the U.S.
Who is your favorite professor at Saint Xavier?
Alex: My favorite professor at SXU is Professor Christopher Hammons. He taught me in Philosophy 140 in the fall of my freshman year.
What’s worse: going to the dentist or doing laundry?
Alex: Definitely going to the dentist is worse.
Thanks for the awesome interview Alex! It was great talking to you! Good luck to you the rest of the season! Tune in next edition when I sit down with a new Cougar in town. And no, this Cougar is not a football player.
Christine Manika
Sports Columnist