Why did you choose Belhaven?
"I chose Belhaven for several reasons, but primarily I had two club coaches as a youth player that had played at Belhaven a few (ten) years prior. Pat Fitzgerald and Mickey Plott with whom I'm still close with today, both encouraged me to really look into Belhaven because the school and the soccer program had a terrific reputation. Also, one of my best friends from Huntsville, James Dinsmore had just started playing at the Haven and he couldn't say enough great things about the soccer program. I probably should have led with this, but Belhaven had just won the NAIA National Championship the season before I graduated high school, so I knew it would be a tremendous place to play if they would have me. Peter Fuller was the coach that brought me into this amazing soccer culture and I am grateful to him for that opportunity."
What was your favorite memory from your time as a Blazer?
"I have included several great memories from my time at Belhaven. The first would have to be my inaugural preseason. We packed up the team and equipment and headed to Berry College (GA) for what turned out to be a great first introduction to college soccer. This was my first time playing with the guys, and I can remember just being in awe of the talent level on that 1993 team."
"Soccer Game Day at the Belhaven Bowl. This was the best experience the school had to offer, just ahead of the Singing Christmas Tree in the Bowl! What a feeling, coming down the hill in two lines to a heavy home crowd and the best music the early 90s had to offer."
"Next, would be the run we had at the 1993 National Championship for back to back trophies. We had an unbelievable season and fell a bit short in the Semi-final, but the trip to San Antonio was one of the great soccer experiences of my life. Another great memory, was the infamous road trip during our 1994 season. The details are a bit fuzzy, but coach Hannibal Najjar took us on a five or six game road trip where we left campus ranked #8 and returned back to Belhaven ranked #1 in the country and carried that ranking into the National Tournament. Although I can't remember any of the goals we scored on that trip, the small bus, the smelly boots and the massive quantities of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches come quickly to mind!"
"Lastly, I truly have some great memories as a coach at Belhaven as well. I will never forget the players we mentored or the day-to-day work alongside the coaching staff."
What do you miss most from your time at Belhaven?
"I think I miss training with the guys the most. The bible talks about iron sharpening iron, I believe that is exactly what I miss the most. The daily challenge of making each other better on and off the field. Being a part of a team, a band of brothers, there is just something about a close knit group of players and coaches that is unforgettable. I should add that the Caf is a close second on my Belhaven "miss" list. The food was good, but it is the cafeteria workers I miss the most. They were an amazing group of people that took care of everyone on campus!"
How do you stay involved in Soccer today?
"Both of my boys currently play, so Amanda and I are happy just to watch them enjoy the sport from the sidelines. I am fairly involved still from a coaching perspective. I helped establish a soccer club in Huntsville, AL in 2007, and I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to coach my sons for a few years. My oldest son plays at MC currently, so even today I'm still traveling to Mississippi for this game we all love so much. My playing days are winding down, but I still like to get out and kick around in the local Sunday Leagues whenever I have time."
Who was the best player you played with?
"There were so many standout players that defined this era of Belhaven Soccer that choosing just one is difficult. To illustrate how talented these teams were, I'm about to leave off two NAIA Players of the Year who are special friends to this day (sorry guys). I would say Craig Demmin would certainly be at the top of this list. He was a terrific player and a brilliant captain for many of the historic Belhaven seasons. Craig was a pro in every sense of the word and just a great human. I need to include one more very special player, Sheldon Bennett! This guy was a remarkable player to witness on the ball and must be recognized as one of the top class players to ever grace the Belhaven Bowl."
