I Am Knox

Vitals

Hometown: Smithton, Illinois

Majors: Secondary Education and Social Sciences

Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi

As a linebacker on the Prairie Fire Football Team, Mike Hendrick led the nation in tackles in 2011 with 157, a school record, and was named Knox's first American Football Coaches Association All-American his senior year. He holds the school records for tackles in a game with 26, solo tackles in a game with 14, solo tackles in a season with 81, and solo tackles in a career with 200.

Three Facts about Hendrick

1. His favorite subject is history. "I'm a big history buff. It's always intrigued me." 2. He wasn't heavily recruited to play college football while in high school. "People are really surprised by that." 3. He wants to be a high school teacher and coach. "The techniques you use in teaching and coaching are intertwined."

How do you balance athletics and academics?
Here at Knox, it's stressed the first year that athletes are students first, and balancing athletics and academics takes time management skills. You have to do the work first before anything else.

What do you enjoy most about your team?
The camaraderie. I know everyone has my back.

Do you have a pre-game ritual or superstition?
For home games I go into the gym with my iPod and my basketball and shoot baskets for about an hour before I have to get ready. It calms me down and gets me into the zone.

What are your favorite things about Knox?
Being able to play football. I also like the small school feel. Everyone, no matter what happens on campus, is going to be together.

How do you think being a football player at Knox will benefit you after you graduate?
Earning a degree from Knox and playing football demonstrates discipline, the ability to effectively manage your time, and maturity.