Wheaton senior
Rocky Gingg is a member of the Wheaton football team, helping lead the team to the NCAA Division III Semifinals as a sophomore in 2008. Rocky earned All-CCIW and First Team All-Region honors in 2008. Below is a brief interview with the Wheaton senior.
Q: Why did you choose to attend and play football at Wheaton?
A: I wanted to be in a Christian environment at a school where I knew I would be challenged but also where I could have lots of opportunity to grow personally, spiritually, and athletically. I was also excited to be coached by Christian men, and play alongside teammates who valued their faith above all else.
Q: What do you appreciate most about playing for coach Swider?
A: He is a great coach who forces us to work hard and trains us to be disciplined. He not only teaches us how to be great football players, but also how to be faithful men of God.
Q: Can you talk a little bit about the experience of advancing to the Semifinals in 2008?
A: That was the most memorable experience I had throughout my entire football career. After the regular season, it was especially exciting because we barely made the playoffs, and entered in as the underdogs. Week after week we worked hard and we proved ourselves on the field. This season I am looking forward to making another playoff run.
Q: What is your favorite Wheaton football memory over the past three years?
A: The mission trips I’ve been on are definitely my favorite memories from Wheaton football over the years. It is a great feeling to be able to serve and share the word of God with kids in Africa. It is also a great opportunity to grow closer to your teammates on the trips, and form relationships specifically because of shared experiences abroad.
Q: How many football ministry trips have you been on, what places have you went to?
A: I went to South Africa my sophomore year, and to Senegal last year.
Q: What was you favorite experience of the football ministry trips you have been on?
A: In South Africa we built a playground for kids at an AIDS orphanage. We were able to finish the playground before we left and watched the kids play on it before we left. It was great to see how happy they were.
