FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Lauren Brightmore, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Oct. 4, 2010 - The word goal has more than one meaning for North Central College junior Bryant Carlson. A leader on the field and in the classroom, this defensive center-midfielder heads into the season with a faux hawk and a mission—to beat the competition. Since starting his career at North Central, Bryant has played in every game, working through various positions until he found his niche at his present position. Majoring in business management and sport management, Carlson knows how to take advantage of the many opportunities on North Central College's campus. He works as an intern in the athletic department, serves as a Student-Athlete Mentor (SAM), and is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of soccer?

A: Staying positive throughout the entire game would probably be the greatest challenge. If you start playing with the mentality that it is more than a game, then that is when you can get down on yourself. 

Q: How long have you been playing soccer?

A: I've been playing since I was 4 ½ years old. 

Q: What do you do to get yourself psyched up for a game?

A: I listen to Katy Perry's Teenage Dream (laughs). Just kidding! As bad as it sounds, part of my game day routine involves eating pizza. I also listen to my iPod on the way to games. 

Q: What is your favorite song on the team's playlist?

A: Black Betty by Ram Jam. 

Q: What is your assessment of the team's performance so far? Do you have any goals for the season?

A: We have our ups and downs, but really we just need to be more consistent. In terms of goals I think just going to the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Tournament and performing well is important. It would be great to win the conference tournament, but we can't forget that it is a process. We'll worry about winning when we make it into the tournament.    

Q: This spring break the men's soccer team is traveling to Spain and Italy. Can you tell me more about how this trip is set up?

A: Harvard Sport Management set up our game itinerary and picked out the places we could visit. Right now we are fundraising for the trip. We are going to play professional club soccer teams over there. This means we will compete against players our age that have the opportunity to play at higher levels.

Q: What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at North Central College?

A: FCA, SAM, and I work at North Central's bookstore. I also intern for the athletic department. 

Q: What responsibilities do you have as an intern in the athletic department? 

A: Basically, I do two things. I work on daily operations, which includes competition contracts, scheduling, and transportation. Then, I work in marketing and promotions. We try to make competitions and events exciting so more students will come out and watch. Promotions involve t-shirts, half-time events, and senior day. 

Q: What are your feelings on mohawks, and who on the team has the best hair?

A: I don't really have any strong feelings on mohawks. I mean, if you can rock one that's fine, but if you can't, then don't. As for best hair, I'd have to give it to head coach Matt Klosterman. He has the best hair because he has no hair. He can grow a pretty mean beard though…lumberjack-like (laughs). 

A: People will tell you that winning doesn't matter; you play because it's fun. They're wrong because winning is fun.