Teams
College Football Kettle Moraine Lutheran High-School, Jackson Wisconsin '11 Concordia University-Wisconsin ‘15
My Story
The first thing that comes to mind is playing college football. I was recruited by division II and division III programs but wasn’t sure if I still had the passion to play. I was contemplating just going to college and studying but my parents were very influential in my life and I listened to their advice. I remember my dad telling me that I had more football left in the tank. I needed to hear that! With college football on my mind again, I remember visiting my sister who played soccer at Concordia and when attending her games, I decided to pursue my interest in football by reaching out to some of the coaches. After many visits to campus and acting on my dad’s advice, I decided that I didn’t want to go through the next 4 years of college with the regret of not playing football. My Check Your Game moment is about being humble enough to hear what others think might be best for me; especially when it’s coming from your parents! I went on to play football and graduated in 2015 which I’m so glad I did. The second thing that comes to mind is my current job at NCSA. While I was in college I knew a guy who worked here and he let me know that a position opened up. The problem for me was that it was in Chicago and those that are from Wisconsin know that most people from this state like to stay here. I interviewed and the company hired me but I did have to move. It was very hard for me to leave. I took a risk because I felt that I needed to branch out and if something failed, well then it would fail. I was all in. I moved down to Chicago and did a great job. My second Check Your Game moment was really about pushing myself to places I was uncomfortable with like moving out of state for work. After a year though, the company allowed me to work remotely and so I moved back, bought a house and got married. The results were great and all because I pushed myself. I also want to thank NCSA for the opportunity.
My Advice
The first thing that comes to mind is playing college football. I was recruited by division II and division III programs but wasn’t sure if I still had the passion to play. I was contemplating just going to college and studying but my parents were very influential in my life and I listened to their advice. I remember my dad telling me that I had more football left in the tank. I needed to hear that! With college football on my mind again, I remember visiting my sister who played soccer at Concordia and when attending her games, I decided to pursue my interest in football by reaching out to some of the coaches. After many visits to campus and acting on my dad’s advice, I decided that I didn’t want to go through the next 4 years of college with the regret of not playing football. My Check Your Game moment is about being humble enough to hear what others think might be best for me; especially when it’s coming from your parents! I went on to play football and graduated in 2015 which I’m so glad I did. The second thing that comes to mind is my current job at NCSA. While I was in college I knew a guy who worked here and he let me know that a position opened up. The problem for me was that it was in Chicago and those that are from Wisconsin know that most people from this state like to stay here. I interviewed and the company hired me but I did have to move. It was very hard for me to leave. I took a risk because I felt that I needed to branch out and if something failed, well then it would fail. I was all in. I moved down to Chicago and did a great job. My second Check Your Game moment was really about pushing myself to places I was uncomfortable with like moving out of state for work. After a year though, the company allowed me to work remotely and so I moved back, bought a house and got married. The results were great and all because I pushed myself. I also want to thank NCSA for the opportunity.
"Brett, it has been great getting to know you better. First off, I wanted to say that in your profile pic that you did get that interception against WLC(Wisconsin Lutheran College) and not only did it save the touchdown, but also won the game! Great job. I really appreciated your story by the way. From listening to your parents in high-school(most of us don't), all the way to making an uncomfortable decision to move to Chicago(especially since you're from Wisconsin). Both those moves were very mature and obviously led to great things but what really touched me was your advice to others. Don't quit! After hearing you talk about this very simple concept really has encouraged me too. I'm also glad you made the move to NCSA so you can continue using your wisdom in athletics and desire to help others like you're doing here. Thanks again for your humility and transparency to want to help others who might need to be encouraged through your story. You've encouraged at least 1 so far. Thanks again." Gary Rogers
Comments
Brett, it has been great getting to know you better. First off, I wanted to say that in your profile pic that you did get that interception against WLC(Wisconsin Lutheran College) and not only did it save the touchdown, but also won the game! Great job. I really appreciated your story by the way. From listening to your parents in high-school(most of us don't), all the way to making an uncomfortable decision to move to Chicago(especially since you're from Wisconsin). Both those moves were very mature and obviously led to great things but what really touched me was your advice to others. Don't quit! After hearing you talk about this very simple concept really has encouraged me too. I'm also glad you made the move to NCSA so you can continue using your wisdom in athletics and desire to help others like you're doing here. Thanks again for your humility and transparency to want to help others who might need to be encouraged through your story. You've encouraged at least 1 so far. Thanks again. -Gary Rogers