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closeBeyond the Athlete: Halsey heading for the midwest to play football, wrestle
Shaun Scott
After registering a story book football and wrestling career at Emerald Ridge High School, 2008 graduate Erik Halsey will continue his athletic career at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, where he will be on thenChargers’ football and wrestling teams. Briar Cliff is a NAIA school.
While visiting Briar Cliff this past year, Halsey said he knew he wanted to become a Charger.
“You could tell the athletes on the sports teams were like one big family,” Halsey said. “Even though I’m excited about going I’m really nervous right now. I know probably a total of three people on that side of the state. I know I will change as a person during my time in college. It’s in a different part of the country and there’s a different culture there.”
Halsey, who wants to study psychology and physiology of sports, will depart for Iowa on Aug. 4.
Halsey said he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for the support of Emerald Ridge wrestling coach Jim Meyerhoff.
“He’s more than a coach to me,” Halsey said. “He basically raised me these past three years. I’ve looked up to him as a coach, friend and mentor. When things got tough in my life he was always there for me.”
Recently, I had an opportunity to ask Erik a few questions about his life outside of the gridiron and the wrestling mat.
Shaun Scott: Who do you want to be the next President of the United States?
Erik Halsey: I’m going to say Barack Obama because our country needs a lot of changes. I think he can direct us into a better United States. We have a lot of problems and issues I think he can help solve. He’s a good strong leader.
SS: What event are you looking forward to most in the 2008 Olympics?
EH: Track and Field. Those athletes are just so fast. They’re the ultimate athletes. It’s really cool to watch.
SS: Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
EH: Marcus Trufant (Seahawks cornerback). He’s a local guy from our area who made it big. There’s not too many people around here who do that. My aunt knows him personally and was one of his teachers in high school. Marcus is just a all around perfect guy.
SS: What is your favorite restaurant in Puyallup?
EH: The new Del Taco on Meridian. I love Mexican fast food. They have the best tacos.
SS: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
EH: Play like there’s no tomorrow. That’s what my dad has always said to me before my football games.
SS: What is your favorite hobby?
EH: I’m big into dirt bikes. I’m starting to get my friends into it. It’s a pretty cool sport.
SS: Who is your favorite sports team?
EH: The Seahawks. I really connect with them and love to follow them. They’re the hometown team. I’m a big fan of local sports.
SS: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?
EH: I would pick two different people. One would be Eva Mendes because she is really hot. The other would be Brett Favre. I think I would have a good conversation with him. I’d like to see what he did with his life and follow his path.