So this guest blog is pretty cool for me! Chris and I were in the same recruiting class together at Bryant University back in 2009. We got to come in and not only experience the first year of college football, but also the first semester together...and those are some of the best memories I remember and don't remember from college. Looking forward to meeting up with him ASAP and drinking a cold ones and catching up, it's been too long! Proud of you man, and best of luck this season brother, see you soon!
TEAM. TEAM. THE DAMN TEAM.
Name: Chris Willadsen
Age: 23
DOB: 08.07.1990
Hometown: South Windsor, Connecticut USA
Current Team: Elmshorn Fighting Pirates
(GFL 2)
College: Bryant University (D1AA)
Position: Offensive Tackle
How it all started:
I
graduated from college in May of 2013 with hopes to extend my education. While I was very fortunate to have a healthy
and successful college career, I was confident my career had come to a close.
Around the same time I decided to not pursue graduate school, I had spoken with
a past college teammate in Tim Miscovich.
Tim had been living and playing
in Germany and he explained to me how I could set myself up for an opportunity
to come do the same. Another former
college teammate Andre Whyte who was in Poland at the time helped me with how
to get the most out of the Europlayers website.
After creating a profile and sending out information, I signed with the
Elmshorn Fighting Pirates in north Germany.
Experience thus far:
To start, I have
been more than thrilled with my decision to come play for the Pirates. The coaching staff, teammates, and the
community as a whole have been very welcoming so far. The other import Tribble Reese and I arrived
on March 1st to an overwhelming (and classy) welcoming at the
airport. Since then, we have been
practicing 2-3 days a week including a 3 day camp and a scrimmage against the
Berlin Rebels (GFL1). Just like any
football player, I am pleased that the pre-season is over and our first game is
26.04.2014 against the Lubeck Cougars. Making
a decision to come to a foreign country for an extended period of time is a
huge decision, and one that takes courage.
While I could go on and on about the positives and negatives of this
experience so far, I would like to focus on a couple of the things that have assured
me that I made the right decision. Playing football here has been a huge breath
of fresh air. Almost all of the players work full time jobs, or are full time
students (including the coaches). They
come out and play because they love the sport, the comradery, and just being
out there on the field. For me, this has
eliminated the stress and burden that college football can have on some
players. I have never appreciated the
game more and the opportunity to play.
Another
important reason to point out is the culture.
Since coming to north Germany six or so weeks ago, I have learned to not
worry but rather to embrace the culture.
It’s very difficult at times, but it’s something to gain from as a
person. I have learned more of the
German language than I ever thought I would.
At the same time, I have been confused pumping gas, checking out at the
grocery store, and ordering McDonalds but at the end of the day, it’s all part
of the experience. I have already had
the chance to travel to a few other parts of Germany and the Netherlands, and I
am excited for what the next five months will bring, both on and off the field.
-Chris Willadsen
LUV U MAN :D
ReplyDeletesprottie loves u also