Posted 4/15/08
UW-Platteville's David Akey is an all-conference defensive lineman from Merrill. He and his Pioneer teammates begin spring practice this week in anticipation of the fall season.
What do you hope to accomplish in spring practice?
"This spring, we're coming together as a team, as in previous years, but we lost 23 seniors and have a young team, so we have to get some people in there and get the feel for the game. Guys have been stepping up and are ready to go."
Do you like the spring practices?
"It stinks a little bit for the offensive and defensive linemen because we can't put pads on, but it's nice just to get outside and be with your buddies. It's a lot of fun, although there is a lot more conditioning. You get the cleats on and get out there and you can't wait to start hitting people again (in the fall.)"
As an all-conference performer, do you see yourself as a leader, especially on defense?
"Definitely. Coming in and being a captain, I have to be a lot more vocal. I have to get my voice out there to push everyone and get them going not only this spring, but also this upcoming season. I was vocal (prior to this spring), but I put it more on the captains' shoulders and watched them because they were the captains. I was the follower. Now it's put on on my shoulders more."
How did you feel about your all-conference honors?
"I don't really feel any different. I think the honors I received were more of the team coming together. We had a great defense, and you could always count on everyone behind you to help you out. That's what helped me. I could do my job and not worry about anything else. So it's more of a team thing than anything else."
One thing that does pop out individually is that you blocked four kicks. What do you look for when you lineup?
"The big thing is you see how close they got to a touchdown or they did get a touchdown. I get a little mad, and I got a lot more aggressive in there. Chris Booze also helped me a lot because he'd pull a guy one way, and I'd go the other."
What would you like to see the Pioneers do differently in 2008?
"We need to win games. We came so close, just one or two scores every game. Just getting a feel for winning and start the season out right would help so much."
You recently heard Herman Boone, the coach featured in the movie "Remember the Titans." What was that like?
"I actually got to have lunch with him. Coach (Mike) Emendorfer had me go with him, so I got to see quite a bit of him. Coming from a society that was totally different in black and white and how they came together as a group was cool to hear. The coolest thing was how everyone came together in camp. That's what I like about camp, you get to meet so many new friends and just come together and play football. I did learn a lot from him, that we basically have the same things going, but it makes you think about it more and what they went through."
Obviously you are here for more than football. What is your major and what would you like to do?
"Building construction management is my major, and then I'm doing a minor in business administration. I interviewed with C.G. Schmidt in Milwaukee, and hopefully I'll hear from then soon. I want to be a project manager. That's what football has helped me with, being a leader and dealing with people and how to motivate them. Football has helped me so much in my jobs."
If you could have the ultimate dream job, what would it be?
"Probably football stadiums! Something big like that. I would love to be part of a sports facility and do the behind-the-scenes stuff. I love sports."
Interview by Sports Information Director Paul Erickson