Oct. 23, 2003
Senior Profile: Steven McLay | Senior Profile: Chris Austin
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 Craig Pykett, a senior from Fox Point, Wis. Pykett began his career at Kentucky as a walk-on and has since become one of UK’s most reliable players. He has started in 36 of the 51 matches he has appeared in and provides great leadership on Kentucky’s back line defensive unit.
What have you enjoyed the most about playing for Kentucky?
“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it since I got here, but I’ve most enjoyed all the people I’ve met during my time here. I have had the chance to play with a ton of guys in my five years. You work day in and day out with a bunch of guys throughout the year and its great to see it pay off with the three MAC championships we’ve won since I’ve been here. It’s really special having those relationships.”
Why did you choose UK?
“I really enjoyed Coach Collins’ winning mentality and I really liked all the guys on the team. Everyone seemed to get along really well and I wanted to be a part of that.”
How was your experience as a walk-on when you came to the University?
“I was lucky when I red-shirted my freshman year as a walk-on because I really felt like I as a part of the team. I was traveling, suiting up for the games and warming up with the team.
It was a struggle and there were plenty of times that I got discouraged, but I knew that if I worked hard everyday that I came to practice that coach would reward me for my efforts. He recognizes people who work hard and rewards them often. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
How big was Sunday’s victory over Akron for you?
“It was great to get that win over Akron. All I heard all week was how Akron just needed to win this game to win the conference title and they were picked to win the conference at the beginning of the season. So, it was great to get that win and get the hump off our backs. That’s a game I think about and look forward to every year.
I’m kind of glad that we played them when we did as opposed to the end of the season because we can get refocused and finish out the rest of the season knowing that we’re in control of our destiny. If we win out, we win the conference title.”
How has your experience been playing for Coach Collins?
“It’s been great. You can see his passion out on the field everyday – how much he wants to win and how much he wants to see the team succeed and people succeed as players. He demands perfection from everybody and there are times when you think you are playing so well, but he can still find things about your game that you need to work on and get better at.
I think that’s good because I’ve never reached a point where I felt like there was nothing more I could learn or improve on. He helps me get better every time I step on the field.
Also, one of my favorite things is that I’ve learned to impersonate him pretty well. Some of the expressions he uses are pretty funny and try to duplicate them. He has a fun side and we can see that as players.”
Do you agree with Coach Collins’ assessment that this is a hard-working team?
“I think that’s exactly right because I know hard-working players are the type of players he’s looking for. It’s great when you get a bunch of guys who are buying into working hard, committing and doing their best everyday. I think that’s why we’ve had a lot of success this year because we have a lot of blue collar workers who buckle down and do what they need to do.”
Do you think you’ll get emotional Friday night?
“Yeah, I got a little emotional when we beat Akron. It’s going to be tough for me after being here five years and going through the ups and downs with the team and coaching staff. It will be hard to play my last regular season game there. If we do things right, hopefully we’ll be playing another home game hosting the MAC Championship in the postseason.”
Do you feel like you’ve been here for a long time?
“A lot of the guys I see around town ask me if I am on the 10-year plan to get out of here. I’ve definitely paid my dues here and spent a lot of time on the soccer field. It will be hard to leave and think that this may be the last game I play at the UK Soccer Complex.”
What are your plans for next year?
“I don’t have any immediate plans. Hopefully, I’ll go out and get a job soon. I had an internship in Denver this past summer and they told me to call them when I graduate so there may be some opportunities there.
I definitely want to stay in the soccer world. I would like to coach or help out with a program because it would be hard for me to let go of the sport I’ve been playing for so long.”
As a Wisconsin native, are you a Green Bay Packers fan?
“I’ve been to four Green Bay Packers games, but it’s hard to get tickets. I’ve always thought of the Packers as a team that works hard every year. I’ve enjoyed watching them play and I strive to be like them in regards to my work ethic. They have the attitude that you may not come from a big time place, but you can still have a big time attitude.”
