Cameron Griffin '09
Wildcats Forever: Cameron Griffin
7/22/2011 10:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Previous Features
With 10 seasons in the history books for Davidson men's soccer head coach Matt Spear, DavidsonWildcats.com got in touch with a senior from each of his 10 teams to discuss their memories of Davidson and see where they are now.
Starting with 2001 and concluding with 2010, DavidsonWildcats.com will post a Q & A with an alumnus every Friday. This week's feature is Cameron Griffin.
Cameron Griffin (2005-08) was a two-year captain, demonstrating an exceptional will to win as a member of Davidson's backline. Injury abbreviated his sophomore season, but he drew starts in each game as a junior and senior.
Q: Why and how did you choose Davidson?
A: The rare combination of top-notch Division I athletics and distinguished academics are remarkable, but the main reason I chose Davidson is simple: the people. From the coaches to the players to the professors, everyone was there to support you and your future.
Q: Do you remember the first time you met Coach Spear during the recruiting process? What was your first impression?
A: I remember my mom telling me he is the kind of guy you want to play for. She immediately wanted me under his guidance. Being the mama's boy I am, she got her wish.
Q: What were some of your favorite memories from your Davidson soccer days?
A: Two things. One: the crowds. For how small the school and town are, it is amazing how many people support that program. Two: spending time with teammates on the bus, in the locker room, and off the field. You just do not find that type of camaraderie anywhere else in life.
Q: What would you consider to be your top play or game?
A: In the words of Coach Spear, I was more of a blue-collar player lacking in the skill department so my most memorable moments would be slide tackles and defensive stops. I would say my favorites were a couple of saves on the goal line I had off corner kicks. I distinctly remember one against College of Charleston where I showed off my prodigious vertical to save a goal with my head.
Q: What were your favorite memories off the field?
A: Bus rides. Period.
Q: What was your major and how did the academic and athletic experience help you moving forward?
A: Economics. Playing a Division I sport at an institution like Davidson forces you to become a time manager. In particular, you learn how to prioritize activities.
Q: Where are you now, and what are you doing now?
A: I am working for an independent investment firm called Artisan Partners. The firm has offices in Atlanta, San Francisco, New York, Milwaukee, London and Singapore. It has been a great experience working for a money manager and hope to continue my career in the financial investment world.
Q: What are some tips you would have for current recruits considering Davidson?
A: Pick a school based on teammates. You will spend every day of your four years with those players and they will turn into best friends for life.
Q: What advice would you pass along to current Davidson players?
A: First, enjoy every minute of team activity. Whether it be pregame meals, a hot practice, or an 8-hour bus ride, soak it all in. Time flies. Secondly, don't get down on yourself too much. Just keep working hard and have integrity, everything else will fall into place.
Q: What do you miss the most now from playing soccer at Davidson?
A: Seems to be a reoccurring theme with my answers but the team camaraderie.
Q: How often have you been able to return to Davidson to catch a game?
A: About one game a year but I follow as many games as I can live on the DavidsonWildcats.com internet stream. Not to mention, I analyze every box score for a good 15-20 minutes the morning after.
Q: Any favorite “Coach Spear-isms” you want to share?
A: Wow…where do I start. His optimism and energy is undeniable and very appreciated by the players. He enjoys every second of trying to make you a better player and person. More importantly, he is a great role model for the players. He was successful on the field but his integrity and moral credence is what I will always take with me. I wish him and the Wildcats the best of luck and I will always be a proud Wildcat alum.
- Jon Tetirick '02
- Soren Johnson '03
- Justin Porter '04
- Joey Bass '05
- John Latting '06
- David Sartorio '07
- Aaron West '08
With 10 seasons in the history books for Davidson men's soccer head coach Matt Spear, DavidsonWildcats.com got in touch with a senior from each of his 10 teams to discuss their memories of Davidson and see where they are now.
Starting with 2001 and concluding with 2010, DavidsonWildcats.com will post a Q & A with an alumnus every Friday. This week's feature is Cameron Griffin.
Cameron Griffin (2005-08) was a two-year captain, demonstrating an exceptional will to win as a member of Davidson's backline. Injury abbreviated his sophomore season, but he drew starts in each game as a junior and senior.
Q: Why and how did you choose Davidson?
A: The rare combination of top-notch Division I athletics and distinguished academics are remarkable, but the main reason I chose Davidson is simple: the people. From the coaches to the players to the professors, everyone was there to support you and your future.
Q: Do you remember the first time you met Coach Spear during the recruiting process? What was your first impression?
A: I remember my mom telling me he is the kind of guy you want to play for. She immediately wanted me under his guidance. Being the mama's boy I am, she got her wish.
Q: What were some of your favorite memories from your Davidson soccer days?
A: Two things. One: the crowds. For how small the school and town are, it is amazing how many people support that program. Two: spending time with teammates on the bus, in the locker room, and off the field. You just do not find that type of camaraderie anywhere else in life.
Q: What would you consider to be your top play or game?
A: In the words of Coach Spear, I was more of a blue-collar player lacking in the skill department so my most memorable moments would be slide tackles and defensive stops. I would say my favorites were a couple of saves on the goal line I had off corner kicks. I distinctly remember one against College of Charleston where I showed off my prodigious vertical to save a goal with my head.
Q: What were your favorite memories off the field?
A: Bus rides. Period.
Q: What was your major and how did the academic and athletic experience help you moving forward?
A: Economics. Playing a Division I sport at an institution like Davidson forces you to become a time manager. In particular, you learn how to prioritize activities.
Q: Where are you now, and what are you doing now?
A: I am working for an independent investment firm called Artisan Partners. The firm has offices in Atlanta, San Francisco, New York, Milwaukee, London and Singapore. It has been a great experience working for a money manager and hope to continue my career in the financial investment world.
Q: What are some tips you would have for current recruits considering Davidson?
A: Pick a school based on teammates. You will spend every day of your four years with those players and they will turn into best friends for life.
Q: What advice would you pass along to current Davidson players?
A: First, enjoy every minute of team activity. Whether it be pregame meals, a hot practice, or an 8-hour bus ride, soak it all in. Time flies. Secondly, don't get down on yourself too much. Just keep working hard and have integrity, everything else will fall into place.
Q: What do you miss the most now from playing soccer at Davidson?
A: Seems to be a reoccurring theme with my answers but the team camaraderie.
Q: How often have you been able to return to Davidson to catch a game?
A: About one game a year but I follow as many games as I can live on the DavidsonWildcats.com internet stream. Not to mention, I analyze every box score for a good 15-20 minutes the morning after.
Q: Any favorite “Coach Spear-isms” you want to share?
A: Wow…where do I start. His optimism and energy is undeniable and very appreciated by the players. He enjoys every second of trying to make you a better player and person. More importantly, he is a great role model for the players. He was successful on the field but his integrity and moral credence is what I will always take with me. I wish him and the Wildcats the best of luck and I will always be a proud Wildcat alum.
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