Craig Alaniz ’11

The Sam Houston State football team made history this season. Afters steadily improving over the past few years, SHSU finally made it to the NCAA Division I National Football Championship in Frisco, Texas. Although the Bearkats lost in a heartbreaking game against North Dakota State, it was a huge achievement and an accomplishment that put both SHSU and Huntsville on the map. In response to the football team’s recent success, we interviewed Sam Houston kicker, Craig Alaniz.
 
Hometown: Deer Park, Texas
 
 Major: General Business
 
Q: When did you start playing football?
A: I started in 7th grade.
 
Q: What influenced you and why is the sport important to you?
A: I started because I liked the contact sport. The thing that influenced me was that everyone else was playing so I thought I would give it a try. It’s important to me because it has taught me different kinds of skills, and to have good sportsmanship.
 
Q: Who is your favorite player/influence of all time and why?
A: My favorite player is Jason Elam because of the accomplishments he had while he was in Denver.
 
Q: Anything you would like to say about this season’s experience?
A: This season’s experience was quite amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My teammates were incredible!
 
Q: What advice/motivating words would you give to SHSU’s players next year?
A: Some words I would tell to the players next year is just to not get complacent. When that happens, everything starts going bad.
 
Q: What are your plans for after SHSU?
A: My plans for after Sam Houston are still undecided. Eventually I’ll figure out what I want to do!