- Team Pie: Key Lime, Apple, and Pumpkin
- Played soccer in community college then transferred to Roanoke College (Class of '16)
a. Business Admin
b. I found TKP during marketing management my junior year. It helped me get through class.
c. Got my MBA at Midway University. Sounds like a halfway house...it isn't.
- Moved to Charlotte After College
a. Worked at Pfeiffer University in Admissions for a year
b. Then moved to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)
i. Director of National Championships - Was awesome. Able to travel and network and see some really great
players and coaches. Actually saw Bryce Perkins in the football National Championship game, was giddy
because I thought he was going to be awful at uva. I was wrong.
ii. Director of Membership - This position let me sell athletics to smaller communities, ultimately providing
opportunities for first generation college students and kids who just loved their sport
iii. Director of eSports - Helped in the creation and growth of eSports at two year schools across the country.
Awesome opportunity but ultimately, was burned out very quickly.
- Left (best decision I could've made) to take a job in furniture as an analyst around a year and a half ago. Got
married in Banner Elk shortly thereafter. Fun fact, not divorced.
- Addicted to all sports and shoes. Second favorite CFB team is Wisconsin even though they will not be playing
Wisconsin football anymore with Fickell. Tottenham, Hornets, Braves, Commanders and Charlotte FC fan.
- The best football is MACtion. Just got back from the Rockies a few weeks ago. Planning a trip to Rainer next year,
any and all tips would be welcome.
- In my dreams I will build out a sprinter van and travel the country watching football and finding national parks, two
things my wife (a tarhole) also loves.
- If you're not a member, think about joining the Key Players Club. It's like supporting a local business and we are on
our way back up. Shoutout Joe for such an awesome site. Will never forget Bender. What a guy.
Comments
What kind of pizza?
'Twas Domino's. Pepperoni thin crust. We of course got it after we ran because why not?
Dominos thin crust is under rated.
In your time at NJCAA did you get any exposure to women's college flag football and what its future looks like? Our league here in Jacksonville is going to have between 400-450 girls from K-9th grade competing in 5v5 flag football.
So they were laying the groundwork as I was beginning my exit. My coworkers were working directly with the nfl in this effort. I think they footed the bill as an emerging sport. At that point, it was just selling it to our membership. You could obviously sell it as Title XI or as an enrollment booster. I know the national championship was in Atlanta this year.
Overall I think it just provides more opportunities for athletes to pursue their dreams, and more importantly, help pay for school. I think it will continue grow, and rapidly at that. I'm sure politics of college athletics will get involved, but it seems like it's on an upward trajectory. Not to mention, I feel as if Florida would be a hotbed.
Which class (in any college) did you enjoy the most and why?
Couldn't even tell you the name honestly, because the professor made in that great. I think it was Marketing and Advetising. His name was Bruce Manthe. I know he taught at Pamplin as well. He made sure students stay involved, made class fun, and genuinely cared about us. I talk to him every few months to this day.
I think I had him as well....Did his class involve picking something you cared about or enjoyed and having to come up with a fake sales pitch to try and sell it to a partner from class?
Favorite national park or suggestion on one under the radar? How do you currently travel when you travel to parks -- Camp/cabin/hotel/RV?
I'll paste this for ggc as well. I'm newer to this. We didn't travel much as kids because of soccer and Tech.
My wife however backpacked up and down the west coast through her 20's and has seen far more than me. Her personal favorite is Bryce. We were in the Rockies Memorial Day weekend. Near 11,000 feet there was still a foot or so of snow on the ground and it was astonishing. When we got to dream lake? I thought I was looking at a Microsoft background. I truly couldn't comprehend how insanely beautiful it was.
We are camping at Rainer next year as that was always her go to. I for one am excited to fist fight a grizzly bear.
Can confirm. Bryce is special.
Favorite national park so far? One you're most interest in seeing?
For Rainier -- get to Grove Of The Patriarchs!!!!
Rocky Mountain as the favorite due to that being 1 of 2 haha. I'm hoping to go to Denali at one point or another. I would love to cruise through Alaska during the correct season. I've heard nothing but good things about it.
I'm making note of that. What time of year did you go?
We did late may/early june trip that included a day trip to Rainier, Paradise was the only road open so we did that. Super murky and gray and bleak on the way in, super bright and sunny and gorgeous on the way back out. Grove of the Patriarchs was absolutely incredible and so worth it
Good to hear. We don't get as much PTO as we would like so we always use a federal holiday to work a trip in. Usually Memorial or Labor so it seems like the timing is good. I'm pretty psyched.
Hope you had a chance to check out hurricane ridge too! Made me feel like I was in the sound of music.
didn't make it to olympic on that trip
Alaska is @#%&ing blast. If you get the chance to go, go for it. Hit Kenai Fjords, Denali and Gates of the Arctic on my 2 week trip there. All are more than worth it.
If you go to Denali, you can book a small plane to fly around the park so you can see the glaciers and Mt McKinley from above/up close. Totally worth it IMHO, as the park is freaking huge. I went through like 20 rolls of film doing that flight with my grandpa (obviously a long time ago).
Dumbest Blake story you have.
As Blake is so outgoing, boisterous, and passionate, he and the other guys on the soccer team you probably know thought they would do well as the set crew for the play in high school. The play was High School Musical, so really in his wheelhouse.
My parents came to the final night to support him doing set crew, which proved to be hilarious. Turns out, there was a bottle being passed around that night backstage. On the final song and dance of the night, the entire cast are doing the dance and in the back corner of the stage, there is a drunken Blake. Doing the dance move-for-move with the cast, filled with emotion. He was clearly buzzed. My mom watched on in horror, my dad in giggles. It was honestly one of the funniest things I've every witnessed. Truly a core memory.
There are so many others that, just won't go into those on here, maybe in person one day.
Do you listen to SZD? Guessing you do since you're a fan of Hokies, Wiscy, and MACtion.
Couldn't even tell you what SZD is. What I can tell you is I love a run heavy offense in very cold weather, watching a nice Toledo-Ball State game on Tuesday night, and the Hokies in any sport.
Split Zone Duo podcast. They cover the whole sport, from SEC to MACtion to the sunbelt to FCS and HBCUs. I'll stan for them. Check it out if podcasts are your thing.
Now you're talking my language. I need to know how Northern Illinois is going to look with a healthy Rocky Lombardi next season.
Dude - this podcast was made for you.
Given your interests, I think this episode about the history of Tulane Football would be a good starting point.
What's the dumbest thing you have ever done?
Whats the nicest thing you have ever done?
What's your favorite sound?
What's your guilty pleasure?
Whats the oddest/strangest thing you have ever seen happen, where you literally said to yourself: 'I cant believe that just happened right in front of me?
If you could remove one thing from existence in the world, what would be? It could be a person past or present, a thing, an emotion, .....anything.
Dumbest Thing - Downloaded FanDuel on my phone. Probably driving from Blacksburg to Martinsville after the Maryland game in 2013. I waited until about 1 AM to head down route 8. It was extremely foggy. There had been a fatal wreck a few miles in front of me but I decided to keep going. I had to make the rest of the drive hanging my head out of the window to just follow the yellow line. Took my about 4 hours to get home. Couldn't see anything around me. Just a really dumb decision on my part.
As mentioned, I love shoes and I love soccer. When I lived in Charlotte, I would go to the Nike outlet at concord mills and buy cleats for underprivileged kids. I had a buddy that was a part of a non-profit that taught them how to play but none of them had cleats, and I wanted them to fall in love with the beautiful game. Their smiles upon receiving were awesome.
Metal studs walking on concrete. My dog barking in her sleep. A perfect swish.
Watching brutal MMA knockouts. I mean ones where you're thinking, is he still alive? It's a terrible thing to see but it just gets the blood pumping.
Finding a dead body that was part of a triple murder. Also, knowing that I saw the folks involved loitering the night before. Just my luck.
Misperception. I think this causes resentment in today's world in all facets. More importantly in social media. People make their life much better than it seems and other viewers perceive it as those folks having the perfect life when in reality, everyone struggles in different ways.
Me driving back down 8 to Stokesdale after the WVU game last season is one my worsts. Walked in the front door at 2am, left the house at 6am to go to work.
what
Agree that need a lot more information..
also the "just my luck" as if something similar is a typical occurrence?????????????????????????????????????????
Was an interesting morning the following day. I don't go too much into it because of the groups involved. But ultimately, testified in front of Homeland Security & the FBI. I'll leave your imagination to the rest.
This answer doesn't answer any questions....... It only creates more.
Just raises more tbh
there was an edit...I regret nothing
I edited at the same time you were responding.
What's the sound track to your life?
What's your favorite story?
Best Day Ever - Mac Miller or If you're gonna be dumb you gotta be tough - Roger Alan Wade
Probably the story of Jerry Kill trying to kill Cornelson. Would've been great. But I'm not sure, this is a great question. I would probably go with one of the most recent ones I've read about. It's insane:
Favorite story about you?
Favorite pair of shoes you own or wish you owned?
Favorite Pair - Any Ultraboost 1.0. Cannot be defeated.
Wish I owned - Jordan 1 Phat Low Cement Grey or any Oregon Ducks Player Exclusive Jordan.
My in-laws are doing this but with golf instead of football.
Favorite way to enjoy the New River?
Favorite beer?
Favorite summer time activity?
Floating, when possible. Anything that allows me to be lazy is something I enjoy.
Not really big into alcohol to be honest. I stick with either Sweet Tea or Water.
Being in/around a body of water. Whether that be the beach/lake/river. The sounds, the sun, and the vibes are immaculate. Cannot be beat. Second favorite would be attending a baseball game. Used to go to knights game when I had the chance but it's such a good social setting and I enjoy baseball in person. The pitch clock has made it even better.
Name 3 things that really grind your gears.
Name 3 people dead or living that you'd like to sit down and have a few drinks with and why.
If money was no object, what's your dream car?
Favorite TV shows when you were a kid?
1. When I'm mowing and I make a turn to quick and create a rub or divot in my yard. 2. When people spend all day on social media talking about politics thinking they are actually making a difference or changing someone's mind. 3. Lining up in shotgun or fourth and one.
General MacArthur for the first-hand stories. His knowledge and IQ must be through the roof and I want to know how and why he made the decision he did. Messi. I wouldn't really know what to say, I may just stare. In my personal opinion, he's the greatest of all time and I would like to relive some of his best moments. Lastly, my grandparents. With the reason being just to see them again, hear their voice, and thank them.
2015 Mercedes AMG G 63 by Brabus. Video HERE.
Either Even Stevens or Sportscenter.
Bumping to try and keep the questions coming...
Other than Hokie stuff or other sports memorabilia, is there something you collect?
Dream Soup and a sandwich- what are you having?
Haha it's all good man, but I appreciate you.
No collections. Used to collect shoes, not really anymore. Became a minimalist and it has done wonders in life. Crazy how much space it opens up.
Lobster Bisque and a Cuban. Not necessarily together, just my two favorite of each.
My ultimate fantasy of a way to go out (die) is being chased by government helicopters under false pretenses of a crime that I didn't commit (or I did, but it was bigly justified). How do you want to go?
My goal was to always drop dead on the soccer field but I feel like that would create a lot of nightmares for others.
I'd say fighting an animal that I am outmatched by but still get in a few good shots. Like being able to land a couple right hooks on a bear must be the biggest adrenaline rush one could imagine. It would make getting mauled worth it.
The gif does not do the actual commercial (especially with sound) justice. And the gif ends too soon before the best part.
https://www.google.com/search?q=salmon+commercial+man+vs+bear&oq=dalmon+commer&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0i13i512l4j46i13i175i199i512j0i13i512l2j0i13i30l3j0i5i13i30l3.5416j0j4&client=ms-android-americamovil-us-revc&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:87feefc6,vid:CVS1UfCfxlU
I remember in 2001, entering 9th grade, being the first group of kids when Henrico County decided to give all high schoolers laptops. This was one of the first "viral videos" I ever saw. I can remember showing it to my parents and them thinking it was real up to the point the bear did a roundhouse kick.
Best way to become a minimalist? Just start throwing shit away?
EDIT: nevermind
It started with clothes: do I wear it enough to warrant keeping it? 50% of those were no.
Then I applied that to "stuff." Do I really use this enough to warrant the space it takes up? Could I sell it and make money that can go towards traveling or needs that have popped up recently. Then it comes to new purchases. I may see something and like it but then try to think how much it will be used and it's usually very minimal use. It all goes back to will the purchase warrant enough use/space, and the answer is often no.
With clothes I have a new system I have been using recently. Similar to your "do I like this enough to where I know I'll wear it a lot" philosophy; anytime I get something new, I remove/donate a similar article from my closet that I know I haven't/don't wear often.
One in, one out.
Did you watch Marie Kondo on Netflix?
No, heard all about that tho! We bought a house and I was going through boxes and unpacking I think we both realized that half of what we unpacked is never used, and at that point, was just taking up space. Even now, we go through all our things about once a month and make a goodwill run. For the other things that we won't take to goodwill because of value, I will just list on FB marketplace.
300% don't blame her - kids make it extremely difficult to have a tidy home. It also makes it really hard to get rid of shi* that "doesn't spark joy" because there's a bunch of crap you wind up getting (a lot of it being gifts from grandparents that's hard to throw away without getting that guilt trip) that you're not sure whether or not you really need it and you find yourself hoarding backups for when the kiddo inevitably breaks the primary
Personally I thought this was amazing just bc it made her seem human.
DOES IT SPARK JOY MF'er!!
no, but my wife and I read her book
Bucket list of football destinations once you build that Sprinter?
Any completely irrational but amusing sports hatred?
Oh man. I could really watch football anywhere but ones that I want to visit are: A night game at UW Madison, the Holy War at Utah, Washington vs. Oregon at Washington, a Rose Bowl, Iron Bowl, a Saturday night in Baton Rouge, North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State, and I would travel back in time to see Catholics vs Convicts. NFL Wise: Lambeau and Buffalo in the Winter months, SoFi Stadium, Seattle, and Arrowhead.
To this day, any time I hear Grevis Vasquez's name, I get pissed off. I have a deep hatred for Al Horford mainly because he has too much height to be afraid of rebounding. Craig James. (People forget he killed 5 hookers). I root for failure for any uva athlete that reaches professional levels. Whether that be nba, nfl, mls, nwsl. You name it, I will actively become a fan of the other team.
That's a solid list for sure. My dad is from WI, I would love to get to a Packers game with him @Lambeau before he gets too old to make the trip.
Craig James... what an asshole! Great choice, although I don't think that one is irrational at all. :-)
I have no family or friends there but I would love to experience Lambeau.
Shirtless in December?
Is there any other way?
You wanna nominate someone, or should I see if one of the 3 people on the side burner wanna take a turn?
Ok- I'm gonna go ahead and say that LBT, Kville hokies, and French are on the clock. First one to fire up a thread (#16) is the next contestant!
Yeah sorrry! I nominate LBT!
OK Calling LBT!
And thanks for participating Maroon!
Late to the party and not really an ask - but cannot agree with you more on maction. Just blissful chaos. I've also enjoyed the funbelt recently but my entire family went to CMU so there are some roots.