Meet the Athlete: Derek Burkard

Published 8:52 am Thursday, November 15, 2012

Albert Lea High School senior Derek Burkard throws a pass during a regular season football game.

Q: What year are you in school?

A: Senior.

 

Q: What school do you attend?

A: Albert Lea.

 

Q: Who is your immediate family?

A: Mom, Shelly; dad, Brian; brother, Alex.

 

Q: What sports are you involved in?

A: Football, baseball and bowling.

 

Q: How did you get started in football?

A: I’ve always been interested in it. When we had tackle football in fifth grade, I joined it, and I’ve loved it ever since.

 

Q: How did you get started in baseball?

A: My dad got me involved way back when I started tee-ball. I’ve stuck with it. I played summer ball, traveling ball and school ball in seventh grade.

 

Q: What numbers are you?

A: No. 10 in football and No. 5 in baseball.

 

Q: What other extracurricular activities are you in?

A: Choir, National Honor Society and Link Crew. In Link Crew, we help the incoming eighth-graders and show them around.

 

Q: Did your parents play sports when they were younger?

A: My dad wrestled and played football.

 

Q: Do you have siblings who play or have played any sports?

A: My brother was a a member of the Bayside water ski team and he helped coordinate the big tournament that was out there this past summer.

 

Q: What are your sports related achievements?

A: I just received All-Conference honorable mention for football. And for bowling, last year I was All-Conference.

 

Q: What is your sports related goal?

A: To play football in college depending on where I go. I will definitely play intramural.

 

Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete? Why?

A: Probably Percy Harvin, because he is an all around great athlete who is fast and strong.

 

Q: What is your favorite school subject?

A: Math because it comes easiest.

 

Q: Who is your favorite teacher?

A: Kevin Gentz or Jim Haney.

 

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Bowling, snowmobiling and boating in the summer.

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: Working around athletics, maybe a sports physical therapist to help people rehab after injuries.

 

Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?

A: My favorite movie is “The Dark Knight.”

 

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Steak, ribeye.

 

Q: What is an interesting fact about you?

A: I bowled a 300 game as a sophomore.