BURG Sports Network

1. What was it like to play for Stone Bridge High School?

- Playing football for SBHS was a truly wonderful experience. I was very fortunate to play in some memorable games but the one thing I cherish the most, are the friendships I've made along the way. Stone Bridge football is about family and playing for the guy next to you.

 

2. What was your favorite high school game that you played in?

-I've played in a lot of great games such as beating Matoaca High School and making it to our first State Championship game as a program but for me, beating Park View my Sophomore year on the last drive was the most memorable game I've played in. That game was so important early on that season as the winner basically ended up winning the district.

 

3. What was it like to play for Coach Mickey Thompson and what did he mean to you as your coach?

-I can't say enough about Coach Thompson. He has poured his heart and soul into this program and built something truly special. To call him my coach was the best experience I could have asked for. I never played football until my Freshman year and after that year, he challenged me to be one of the guys and start as a sophomore. He was always looking to push myself and others to be great.All of the guys that have come through this program from Mike O'Brien to Ed Wang, myself, Gouvea, Thompson brothers, and now to John Allen; all of us owe the success we have to Mickey.

 

4. What made you commit to Notre Dame when they gave you an offer?

-When I received my offer to ND, I made a point to go out and visit because growing up, I heard all about ND and the history they had with football. Once I stepped on campus I knew right then and there, this was where I wanted to play football. The old saying is so true when it comes to ND, "if you've been there, no words are needed and if you haven't, no words will suffice." It is a truly special place that holds a spot near and dear to my heart being an alumni now.

 

5. What is your favorite spot on the Notre Dame campus? Why?

-That is a tough question, there are so many spots on campus that are great but if I had to pick one spot, I would say Lafortune. Lafortune hall was where I went to do a lot of studying for classes and where I met up with to hang out with friends. Plus, I was one of their most loyal customers at Subway!

 

6.. What was it like to play at Notre Dame Stadium?

-Running out of Notre Dame stadium is something I'll never forget. From walking down the tunnel to hitting the "Play like a Champion" sign, playing in front of those fans was truly awesome. I will admit, I would love to play in the new stadium after all of the renovations they've done to it! I was able to get back and check out the locker room and other features for the Georgia Game and they made a special place even more euphoric with the atmosphere it now creates.

7. What was it like to play for Charlie Weis and Brian Kelly?

- Both coaches were great with different aspects. Having been recruited by Weiss I'm probably more partial to Weiss. He gave me the opportunity to play at one of the most historic and notable programs of all time along with being able to graduate from one of the top academic institutes in the country. When Kelly got hired, he brought along a lot of good change that the program needed at the time and made it feel like college in a way. Both coaches were great and I have respect for each of them.

8. What was your favorite game that you played in at Notre Dame?

-The obvious choice playing Hawaii in the Hawaii bowl because of the experience that came with being in that bowl game, but I would say beating USC on the road my senior year was the best game. They had beaten us for a few years in a row and to be able to go in the Coliseum and come away with a win was fantastic. I'm pretty sure everyone was wide awake on the plane ride home.

9. As a student athlete, how did you feel when you got a degree from the University of Notre Dame?

-Going to Notre Dame is more than just playing football because you're also going to graduate with a degree from one of the most respected institutes in the country. One of the key selling points for me was what do I do when football is over, no player wants to ever think about that but you have to be prepared at some point. My career didn't turn out the way I dreamed but if I can say that I ended up with a degree from ND, that is truly special. This degree is a life long decision and has already had some many positive impacts on my life that frankly, I would not have received if I went to a different school.

10. What was it like playing against Army in the new Yankee Stadium?

-Playing in Yankee stadium was really the best experience. We arrived early as we always do but instead of having our normal walk through, the coaches just let us walk around and experience what it's like to be a Yankee. Even though it was a new stadium, there is so much history there that we were able to experience. Truly a unique experience.

 

 

11. How did it feel to run onto the field one final time for your senior day at Notre Dame?

-It was definitely bitter sweet for me because I knew that my career was coming to an end at Notre Dame and I didn't want it to stop. It didn't hurt though to come out with a victory over rival Boston College.The good thing about the community is that you're never really gone. I stay in contact with a lot of my former teammates and go back to campus once a year to experience a game and be part of the events going on for former players. I've been very fortunate with having the opportunity of a life time playing football at ND.I am so proud to say I went to ND but I'm even more proud to say I went to Stone Bridge when I'm back in town. Bragging rights are a big deal here in the area when it comes to high school football!!

Thank you again Mike

-Andrew