Sept. 10, 2007
Washington, D.C. - Georgetown senior quarterback Matt Bassuener (Port Edwards, Wis./Port Edwards) has traveled from his native Wisconsin, to Finland, to Ohio and to Mexico before settling in on the Hilltop for college. One of the team's co-captains, Bassuener threw for 15 touchdown passes last year and has started both games for the Hoyas this season. He took some time to sit down with Hoya Headliner before the Blue and Gray square off against Yale this weekend at the Multi-Sport Field.
HH: So how did you get recruited here?
MB: While I was at Western Reserve the offensive coordinator at the time was recruiting me but decided on another quarterback. When I went off to Mexico, he went to coach at another school, so I really had no contact with the staff. I ended up getting into the school on my own.
HH: How was the transition from high school to college for you your freshman year?
MB: I never had a freshman year. At Tec in Mexico I was with the exchange students, which is sort of a subcategory in itself, and then when I came to Georgetown it was as a transfer sophomore.
HH: Who do you look to for advice when you need it?
MB: I've called my parents pretty much once a week since I got here, and when I'm not whining about having no money, they do a pretty good job of dishing me any advice I'm looking for.
HH: What made you decide to attend Georgetown?
MB: Honestly, I chose Georgetown because it was the only Division I football school to accept me and allow me to play. There were other things I liked about the school though. I enjoy being in the city. Academically, there's no better school in the country for my interests. Finally, the Jesuit approach to religious education is something I thought would push me spiritually.
HH: Do you have any superstitions before games?
MB: My only superstition is probably that I feel the need to make a conscious effort not to be superstitious.
HH: What music gets you pumped up before games?
MB: My position isn't really about getting jacked-up to hit someone like most of the guys, but when I do want to get like that, like in the weight room for example, Rage Against the Machine or Rob Zombie does the trick for me. What actually gets me excited to play the game though is hearing the drum corps of a college marching band play. To me it's the soundtrack of college football. I know Georgetown's band isn't really set up like that, but if they can mimic it in any way I think it would add to the atmosphere.
HH: Who is your favorite player of all-time in your particular sport?
MB: I've recently become a big Tony Romo fan, because I feel like I relate to him. He's from my home state of Wisconsin, he played I-AA football, and the way he plays the game doesn't really fit into the prototypical mold of a quarterback. With all that in common clearly it's only a matter of time before I start getting calls from Carrie Underwood and Jessica Simpson.
HH: What is your favorite quote from your Coach?
MB: Almost every coach on the staff is constantly telling me to, "take what they give you." With all the extra time to prepare for games in football it's easy to overcomplicate things. This quote is just a reminder that it's really not that difficult. Every defense has a weakness.
HH: What is your "breakfast of champions?"
MB: I'm a big breakfast guy, so I have two. When I'm at home I'd say, an entire box of Peanut Butter Captain Crunch or when the roof of my mouth begins to bleed, whichever comes first. Here at school the breakfast consists of: a protein shake followed by a ham, egg & cheese English muffin, a couple glasses of juice, two bowls of cereal, three hard-boiled egg whites, and a bowl of yogurt, fruit and cottage cheese topped with granola and honey.
HH: What is your favorite holiday?
MB: Thanksgiving; you get to stuff yourself on a ton of food, watch football, and then it's completely acceptable to take a long nap.
HH: Who on the team do you rely on the most?
MB: The offensive line; they take it personally if I ever get sacked and no one on our offense could move the ball without them.
HH: If you could change one thing about football, what would it be?
MB: I wish football were more of an international game. It really is the ultimate team sport, so it would be awesome if it were part of the Olympics. It seems the reason it's never spread to that level though is because it's too expensive. I don't know the solution, but if I could change something it would be to make the sport cheaper to play.
HH: If you could be great at any other sport or event besides football, what would it be?
MB: When I was little I really wanted to be a great wrestler like my father. I still think that would have been cool.
HH: Who in your life inspires you the most?
MB: My parents and three brothers.
HH: What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
MB: Sleep in.
HH: Favorite Georgetown restaurant?
MB: Old Glory.
HH: What is your dream job?
MB: To be an NFL Quarterback.
HH: Favorite TV show?
MB: Jeopardy. My roommates, with the exception of Darren Alberti (he'll play with me), call me a nerd, but I love it. I've got our DVR box recording every episode, so I can watch without having to wait through commercial breaks. Anyone who stops by our house is offered to play.
HH: Favorite movie?
MB: Rudy is the obvious pick for me, but I like a lot of different genres, anything from comedies to foreign films. I especially like pretty much anything Pixar makes.
HH: Freshman dorm?
MB: I lived in Village C East when I got here.
HH: Booey's or Wisey's?
MB: Wisey's, it's one of the only places with a decent size breakfast sandwich.
