Brad Pickens, Football Senior, Health and Physical Education
Norwalk, Ohio
I WILL do whatever it is that my team needs
I WILL continue to work hard and to be dedicated
I WILL help create well-rounded people as a physical education teacher
Safety Brad Pickens has been one of the main pillars of a Capital team that has twice advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs since 2006. Sports information assistant Bryan DeArdo sat down with Pickens to discuss who inspired his work ethic, this upcoming football season, and which Cedar Point roller coaster is his favorite.
BD: Fact or Fiction: Capital football will be in the 2009 NCAA playoffs.
BP: Oh, that's a fact. We had a playoff team last season, but things just went south because of injuries. We're very goal-oriented and focused on winning the conference and making the tournament.
BD: What attracted you to the defensive back position?
BP: I was really looking for something to get my speed up. I just wanted to become better athlete and help the team. It's my natural position and one I feel comfortable in.
BD: Do you prefer predominately staying back in coverage or would you rather roam around the line of scrimmage?
BP: I like defending the run more than the pass. Just with my size, I feel like I can hold my own in that situation.
BD: Practicing against Marty (Assmann), which is his biggest attribute as quarterback?
BP: How dynamic he is. There isn't one area that sticks out. He's good at everything. Marty is very versatile as a quarterback. He can hurt you in many ways.
BD: What do you think about when you are facing a ball carrier one-on-one in the open field?
BP: Really, nothing can be going through your head. At this level, it's got to be instinctive. It's got to be with speed and without fear.
BD: After making the playoffs your first two years here, the team was decimated by injuries and never hit its stride in 2008. Does last season add extra motivation to finish your career on a high note and return to the post season?
BP: Last year doesn't add anything extra to me. It's always been my goal to be on a national championship team. Even if we had a good season last year, I'd still be focused on having the best year possible season this year.
BD: Coach Bickel said that you are the hardest worker on the team. Where and when did you harness this workout regiment?
BP: I definitely started with my dad. He was my coach in both football and track growing up. Whenever we bailed straw in the summer, we made as much money as we produced, so there was an incentive to work hard. My parents really drilled into me the value of hard work and dedication.
BD: What is it going to take to defeat Mount Union this year?
BP: Confidence. I know it's Mount Union, but we just have to play our game and have belief in our ability. We need to focus on the now and try to contain their great playmakers. If we focus on our jobs on every play then we can overcome their abilities as a team.
BD: How do you want your senior class to be remembered?
BP: I just want to work hard now to be the best I can be. I also want our team work as hard as we can so that we can have the best team possible. If we do that, then the legacy will follow.
BD: Why did you decide to pursue a career in physical education?
BP: My dad's a physical and health education teacher, and that is something that I've always enjoyed. I've always liked studying the body and how to push it to new levels in athletics.
BD: Your hometown is close to Sandusky, which is the home of Tofts ice cream. Which ice cream flavor of theirs is your favorite?
BP: The Peanut Butter Cup. I've always been a fan of peanut butter stuff. I think I've tried everything they've had, and that is the best.
BD: You're also close to Cedar Point. Which roller coaster there is your favorite?
BP: Definitely the Millennium. There's no way anyone should be able to go that fast.
BD: I respectfully disagree because I think the Raptor is the best roller coaster. Anyway, what has your Capital experience been like thus far?
BP: It's been very enjoyable. The people I have met and the community that's here has been great. There is great character in this program, and an emphasis on building good people and improving our character.