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NAIA Student-Athlete Spotlight
University of St. Francis (Ind.)
Football
Posted 09.05.06
Name: Brian Kurtz
NAIA School: University of St. Francis (Ind.)
Year: Senior
Major: Communications
Sport: Football
Hometown:
Fort Wayne, Ind.
University of St. Francis linebacker Brian Kurtz is the top tackler returning for the Cougars, who were ranked No. 2 in the NAIA preseason poll. Kurtz, a defensive team captain and 2005 NAIA First-Team All-American, is rated No. 1 in the Victory Sports Network Super Six linebacker list. The 6-1, 220 pound senior has also received the following awards: 2nd Team Linebacker 2004 Football Gazette, 1st Team All-American Linebacker 2005 All-MSFA Mideast League, 1st Team Linebacker 2004 and 2005 USF Most Valuable Player Defense, 2005 NAIA Championship Series, Defense Player of the Game twice in 2005, once in 2003 USF Defensive Rookie-of-the-Year, 2003 USF Big Hit of the Game 8 times in last 2 seasons.
The Cougars finished second in the 2005 NAIA National Championship game after losing 27-10 to Carroll College. USF is seeking its fifth consecutive undefeated regular season despite losing 19 seniors, including eight NAIA All-Americans and 10 All-Mid States Football Association first-team selections. USF opens its season on Sept. 9 at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Click here for more information on NAIA football.
Name: Brian Kurtz
Nickname: Kurtzy
Dream Travel Destination: Hawaii
Most Prized Possession: All my championship rings
Morning Jog or Sleep In? Sleep In
Strangest eating habit? I like Miracle Whip on about everything. I could probably eat it with a spoon.
Dog Person or Cat Person? Dog Person
Favorite Color: Cougar Blue
Favorite Type of Music: Rap
Favorite Food: Steak and Crab Cakes
Coffee or Tea: … Mountain Dew
Strangest thing you have brought to practice? All white contacts
Favorite thing to do outside of football? Big Xbox 360 fan
Dream Job: Not sure… I just want to find a job that I look forward to waking up for every morning.
Favorite movie of all time: Hook
Favorite thing about University of St. Francis: If you show the will to learn the teachers will do about anything for you.
What does your team stand for? I feel that the Cougars strive for excellence in every aspect of our game. We strive to be perfect, and when we’re not we learn from our mistakes and strive to be perfect on the next snap!
What qualities and character traits do you bring to your team? I like to lead by example on game day. I try to set the intensity level for our defense!
How do you incorporate the NAIA Champions of Character values (respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship) into your role on the football field? I do my best to play hard but play clean. My coaches at Bishop Luers High School taught me to hit them as hard as you can and then help them up so I can do it again on the next play.
What is your best football memory from your time at the University of St. Francis? Our two trips to the National Championship are great memories, but I hope my best memory will come at the conclusion of this season!
Click here to read more NAIA Student-Athlete Spotlights.
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