Oct. 21, 2003
University of Kentucky seniors Chris Austin, Steven McLay, Brook Pearse and Craig Pykett have all made an impact on UK’s soccer program in one way or another. UKAthletics.com salutes the senior class with a profile on each senior leading up to Friday’s “Senior Night” match against Buffalo at 7:30 p.m. at the UK Soccer Complex.
Today’s profile features senior back Chris Austin from Marietta, Georgia. Austin has started in 52 of the 67 games he’s appeared in as a Wildcat and been a valuable part of Kentucky’s defense the last four years. He is a journalism major and currently keeps an online journal on UKAthletics.com called “Chris’ Chronicles”.
Wednesday, UKAthletics.com will feature Steven McLay, followed by Craig Pykett on Thursday and Brook Pearse on Friday.
What have you enjoyed the most about the University of Kentucky?
“The University of Kentucky is unbelievable. That’s all there is to it.
I’ll remember soccer more than anything. I remember going to the Sweet 16 my freshman year and playing with Ilkka (Jantti), Tyler Cook, Chris McAlpine, Mark Theriault, J.D. Stephenson, Chris McDaniel, Nathan Fleetwood and the list goes on and on. I’ll never forget spending time with those guys and bonding with them on and off the field. I also look forward to telling my kids that I played a Division I sport in college.
Not to mention, the women here are absolutely beautiful.
Also, the sports experience as a whole is great here. I love the football games and Kentucky basketball is second to none. To be able to experience that is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
I have enjoyed Lexington as well. The campus is great and Lexington is big enough to have a lot to do, but there is a small-town atmosphere.”
How has your experience been playing for Coach Ian Collins?
“He expects a lot of us and lets us know when we aren’t performing on the field. In your first year, he makes a man out of you. I personally had to learn to step up for my mistakes and take ownership of my play on the field.
Coach Collins wants us to get better everyday and he is very intense. I love playing for him because I know how much he wants to win. I know his goal is to win a national championship and that’s what drives him everyday when he wakes up and comes to work.
Is it tough as a defender when you don’t get the opportunity to score and have personal recognition?
“You can’t let it bother you because if the midfielders and forwards are getting praise that usually means you’re winning. That’s the most important thing.
Also, my sophomore year Greg Raber had the lowest goals against average in the NCAA and I was a part of that. Of course he was making great saves, but I was a part of the defense that was helping him. Seeing him get that accolade is great because it lets me know I am doing something good to help him and we had a great year.
The most important thing is the team. I’d much rather win the MAC Championship and an NCAA Championship and sit the bench than lose a game and be on the field. It is awful losing, but winning makes the season much better.
I think it would be hard if we had players or coaches who didn’t give credit to guys who aren’t scoring goals, but we do. I know that when we win and record a shutout the back four has done a great job and we get congratulated by our team and coaches, which is the most important thing.
Has it been tough for you to balance class and athletics?
“Yes and no. It is tough and the grind is very hard. For me it wasn’t too bad of a transition because in high school I handled myself pretty well and my parents didn’t have to stay on me about grades and homework. I also participated in several sports and still got my work done. So, for me coming to college wasn’t that big because in the fall of my senior year I was playing football, soccer and going to school.
I think it is tough in college keeping up with your grades and a lot of it depends on the person. For some people, it only takes one or two days to pick something up and understand it, but other people have to study everyday and don’t get as much free time.
The biggest key to being a successful student-athlete is time management. There is enough time in the day to get school work done, go to practice and sleep at night, but the problem is giving up social time and television. That’s where some people have the biggest conflict.”
What advice would you give an incoming freshman student-athlete?
“I’d tell them to first of all meet their professors. Especially as an athlete, you want to familiarize yourself with them because you are going to miss class. If they know you are going to miss classes it makes it easier to get notes and catch-up on the things you missed.I would also advise them to sit in the first five to ten rows so the teacher can become familiar with you and you will have a better chance of doing well in the class.
Also, time management is important. Get things done early. It is easy to procrastinate, but it makes things so much easier if you work ahead of schedule.
Lastly, get sleep. If you don’t get sleep you won’t do well in whatever you do.”
What is your dream job?
“I want Chris Fowler’s job on College Gameday. He has the best job in the world. What’s better than traveling to the best college football games in the country every weekend, having thousands of people come watch your show and getting paid to do it?”
What is it you like about college football?
“I just love it. It’s something that I grew up with. I love that atmosphere of college football. Every week, no matter what, it’s a do or die game.”
Have you considered trying out as a walk-on for Kentucky’s team after you finish with soccer?
“I’ve thought about it. It’s always been a dream of mine to play. I played in high school and I was pretty good, but I didn’t really put much time into it. It is one of those things that I think if I really put my mind to it, I think I could be pretty good at. My family wants me to do it, especially my little cousins.
I just think it would be amazing to play, especially in the Southeastern Conference. To kick a field goal in front of 70,000 to 80,000 people would be amazing. Soccer is amazing too and I love that. Don’t get me wrong. But, I think playing in front of that many people would be a once in a lifetime dream.”
