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

Nov. 1, 2010 - Doubling as an athlete and an athletic training (AT) student at North Central College, Kane Thompson understands what it is like to be on the field both playing and working. The senior linebacker not only defends his team, with 26 total tackles so far this season, but also protects other North Central athletes. Through the College's athletic training program, Kane has worked with the men's basketball, baseball, and men and women's track and field programs. Starting as a pre-admit in a very competitive AT  program, Kane has continued to make a name for himself over the years, excelling in the classroom and earning Academic All-Conference honors from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. While Kane may seem like a walking contradiction, playing a high-risk sport while studying all the nuances and dangers of it, he really is just tackling the two things he is most passionate about. 

Q: How has the football program changed since you were a freshman?

A: We've had some good recruiting classes come in since I started. The program has also seen some coaching changes like with coach Rick Ponx moving from offensive line coach to defensive coordinator. The players still share the same cohesion and closeness, though, since I started.

Q: Who was influential in your decision to become a linebacker?

A: I would have to say that my brother influenced me. He was a linebacker and I would watch him play. I started playing tackle football myself in fifth grade, but over my career I've always liked the action and impact that goes with the position. 

Q: What do you like most about playing Division III football?

A: I like that Division III football athletes play because they love the sport. Division I programs face a lot of issues with scholarship money, but in Division III you know that the athletes are playing for that love of the game. 

Q: Who will be the team's biggest competition this year?

A: Each week coach says that we have to play each game like it's against the top team in the nation. It's important to focus on games one week at a time, so we don't get ahead of ourselves. We always have respectable programs like Wheaton College and Illinois Wesleyan University as well as a building Elmhurst College team to focus on.  One team, one week at a time.  

Q: As a senior, what kinds of responsibilities do you have on the team?

A: Overall, I just try to serve as a good role model to the underclassmen. I try to be someone they can look up to. When I was a freshman, I had great role models. I remember looking up to all the linebackers and the 2008 senior class.

Q: What are you satisfied with more: a fumble recovery, an interception, or a sack?

A: Although all three are equally great, I'd have to say I'm more satisfied with an interception. You have to follow your keys pretty well in order to get where the ball is. 

Q: Having a major injury last year, your season was cut short. How were you able to overcome the injury and get back on the field?

A: It was tough sitting out from the sidelines and watching all the guys practice and play. At the same time, the injury was motivation for me to work even harder so that I could come back and play again.  

Q: What professional linebacker do you get inspiration from?

A: I'm a Chicago Bears fan, so I'd have to say Brian Urlacher and Dick Butkus. They're both very motivating, despite the fact that Urlacher is kind of going downhill right now. In his prime he was fun to watch though.

Q: What sport movies inspire you?

A: I enjoyed the movie Friday Night Lights. Some people don't like the movie, but I do because it really focuses on giving everything you have. It's that more than just a game mentality. Similarly, I grew up in a small town that also surrounded itself with high school football. I recognize that Friday Night Lights type of setting and it's as if the movie is representing my hometown. 

Q: Do you have any superstitions you follow before a game?

A: Yes. Each week I always need my tape jobs to be a certain way every week. I have to listen to specific songs right before and after I stretch. I also have to do my own stretches even though the team does a warm-up. If I don't get that in, I feel like I won't be ready for the game.  

Q: How do you feel about the NFL policy concerning excessive hits to players?

A: I kind of oppose it in a way. It's good to protect the players, but I feel that the NFL athletes have been basically encouraged for those type of hits. Since they are from that big hit era, getting paid for that kind of action, it's discouraging to take their money. If they do anything, then maybe they should suspend them for a game.  

Q: What is it like to be both an athlete and an athletic training student?

A: Being an athlete and an athletic training student, I am able to see sports from two different perspectives. I can talk to other athletes better about issues and injuries they have in their own language. I also get a lot of experience working with other sports. I worked with the men and women's track and field teams, which was nice because there were so many athletes and so many different injuries. Then I saw other unique injuries working with the men's basketball and baseball teams. For example, in baseball you will see more athletes with shoulder issues than in track and field.  

Q: What are your future rotations for this school year?

A: I'm working with the wrestling team, and I will also have to do an internship in the spring. Each athletic training senior gets to pick the type of setting for their internship. I want to work with the Chicago Rush indoor football team, so hopefully I can do that, otherwise I'll try go to Northwestern University and work with a P.T/ A.T.C. (Physical Therapist/ Certified Athletic Trainer).

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

I'm going to graduate school to get dually certified as an athletic trainer and physical therapist at either St. Ambrose University, Midwestern University, or somewhere out on the East or West Coast.  

A: My dream job would be to work with a professional football team as a P.T/ A.T,C. It would be awesome to work with that elite population of professional athletes.