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Player Profile: Nick "Chopper" Parker
Our senior staff writer Evan "Colonel" Ling recently caught up with one of the hardest working Rooboys both on and off the field and cajoled him into a hard-hitting Q&A. Meet Nick "Chopper" Parker.
Evan Ling: What is your player number?
Nick Parker: 7
EL: Where are you from?
NP: Nashville
EL: What is your favorite footy trip?
NP: I think the best trip ever was the first time I was honored as best on ground. It occurred in Louisville during my 6th game played. I felt great after the game knowing I had played well, but receiving the honorary bottle of red made the ride home quick and memorable.
EL: What was the worst footy trip?
NP: I cant really think of the worst trip... the time Drew broke his leg really stands out though. Nationals in 2008 were a bit chilly playing in the raining, 38 degree weather at 6000 feet... we also went 1 and 2.
EL: What is your favorite footy memory?
NP: My first goal; it was against St. Louis on the road. Depends on who tells the story... Marty tells it the best... I was playing fullback and ran through the middle after spoiling the ball in the halfback line, I took a mark over their biggest bloke, played on, and split the uprights from 70 meters with gale force winds in my face.
EL: How did you first hear about Nashville Kangaroos?
NP: Driving by on West End about ten years ago I noticed it and pulled over and watched about thirty minutes of a game. It was always in the back of my mind to give it a shot but life got in the way. I finally decided to give it a try and looked the Roos up on line, called the only number I could find... Bo Link. He was in Knoxville at the time working on his Masters but he hooked me up with Jeff Persson and I was at the first training of 2007.
EL: What was your first impression/experience of Aussie rules football?
NP: My first impression... I thought it looked like a lot of fun but I wasn't sure what to think about all of that kicking. I'd been playing sports since I could walk but hadn't ever really kicked a ball besides in frustration or just goofing off.
EL: What do you know about netball?
NP: I know the basic rules, that Nashville has a growing team, and that they make a trip to L.A. each year. Oh, also... you get penalized for tackling!
EL: What about other sports experience?
NP: I played football, basketball, and baseball all of my life. Never had a spare moment as they all overlapped each other. Continued to play baseball in college and Rugby at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. After organized sports ran their course, I picked up climbing and kayaking.
EL: What is your favorite field position?
NP: In the middle.
EL: Name someone in sports you strive to be like and how/why.
NP: Growing up I idolized Ozzie Smith as he was the best shortstop ever. I trained to be as good as him in the field. Now, older and wiser, I don't strive to be like anyone else. I just give it my best each time. I strive for my own perfection.
EL: What you will be doing in 10 years?
NP: Coaching my son Augustus in whatever he decides to play. Would be nice if there was a kids footy league by then. We (Augustus, Amelia, and I) will be spending many weekends in our kayaks heading down river. Angela will be at the take out with snacks and beers!
EL: What was your worst or most interesting job?
NP: I worked on a horse farm in Franklin and lived in a trailer on the back part of the property. That was the good part... the bad part was going an entire winter without hot water. You think ice baths are bad after a footy game in July? Try an ice cold shower at 5am in January when the trailer itself is only 60 degrees.
EL: What is your current occupation?
NP: IT Project Manager / Chemist
EL: Your personal goal for 2010?
NP: Be a good dad, win the MAAFL, and win at least 3 games at Nationals.
Photo: Michael Gardner
