PackersHome name:
wils0646Real Name (first only):
JoeAge:
25Current City:
Saint Paul, MNHometown:
Sioux Falls, SDOccupation:
Lab technician, our lab focuses on Lupus1) How did you choose your screen name?
Well, it was just an ID I used in high school. I use it on multiple Packers blogs if anyone wants to see my opinions on other boards.
2) Could you tell us a little about where you grew up and about your family?
I grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and lived there for 12 years (K-12). It is a pretty nice city of about 150k with low crime, unemployment. Basically, its a great city to raise a family in. Not much to do there in terms of entertainment. We basically only had an independent baseball league team (Sioux Falls Canaries) and a CBA team (Sioux Falls Skyforce) in terms of sports teams. Watching high school football was the best sport to watch though. Awesome atmosphere.
My parents had 4 kids.while only expecting 2. Let me explain.Im a twin and my older brother and sister are twins. Crazy, eh? Its great because I get along real well with my twin brother and we basically had the same interests growing up. You always have a friend there when youre bored or need someone to talk sports with.
3) Did you play in any sports or where you involved with any High School clubs and such?
Yea, I actually played high school baseball and golf all 4 years of high school. I always loved baseball more, but I was actually a better golfer. I just never had the passion for the game like I did for baseball. As a pitcher, you feel like the leader of the team and everything revolves around you. Theres nothing like the rush of striking out the side or getting a big out in a close game. Im guessing it feels the same way as being the QB of a football team, even though I never got a chance to do that. I was really never a good hitter, but I did hit a few HRs that were memorable.
In terms of clubs, I was in band for 4 years even though I didnt really like it. I just stayed because my friends kept going and it looked good on the college transcript :).
4) What is your fondest memory of your teenage years?
Its gotta be going to my grandparents lake cabin every July 4th week. Our whole family would make it out there and we would just have a blast boating, skiing, jet skiing, tubing, and fishing. When I turned 21 (not that I ever had the hard stuff in my teen yearshaha), drinking at the lake was just so fun with my fellow cousins and brothers. Cards with the family went late into the night while we talked and told stories. My uncle has a soft spot for scotch and he always had a beat red face by the end of the night while calling any and every hand in texas hold em. He would hit these ridiculous out hands and always retort theres 5 cards in poker. It makes me sad that they had to sell the place a couple of years ago. A lot of memories there, but all good things have to come to an end.
5) What was your first job?
My first job was a rack rat at a local golf course. At least thats what they called me. I basically just parked, washed, and gassed up carts. I also picked up the trash and helped a little with picking up golf balls at the driving range. Minimum wage job, but hell.I got free golf. I saved a hell of a lot of money on golf while working there.
6) What lead to your dedicated following of the Packers?
My Dad got me hooked. He lived in Green Bay when he was a little kid and his Dad brought him to a few games. I was in middle school when I basically started getting interested in them and started following them (around 1997-98). I was immediately drawn to the history of this great team and its hall of fame QB. Favre is really the only QB I ever knew on the Packers. No matter that I agreed with TTs decision, Favre will always be my favorite player to watch and my favorite Packer.
7) Could you tell us one of your favorite memories of the Packers?
Well, since I started becoming a serious fan about 10 years ago or so (after the Super Bowl win), 2007 is definitely my most fond memory of watching this team. Everything about it was just awesome andI guess you can say magical. Everything seemed to go right until the tragic end. I didnt want that season to end like that. I felt so low after that loss. Nothing can take away that season though.
8 ) How did you find the PackersHome and what keeps you active on the site?
I got the link to the site from the other forum and signed up to see the highlight videos every week. I didnt really contribute until the other forum went to hell, but now Im hooked on this site and I wont look back.
I like the differing opinions of everyone here and how it seems to remain civil. So many other boards dont moderate well and I love how so many people here test others opinions by showing them fact after fact. You cannot just spew BS without expecting some good rebuttals. I get a lot of new information and differing opinions about the Pack from this site.
9) What other sports teams do you follow?
My other team I follow religiously is the Minnesota Twins. I love this team and its makeup. They dont have to have a high payroll to consistently put up winning seasons. I also follow all the UofM Gopher sports since I graduated from there.
10) When youre not on PackersHome what could you likely be found doing with your spare time?
I work out 3 times a week or soplay golf after work or on weekends with some friendsplay some Madden and other video games on the xbox360I also am a Crackberry addict (For those that dont know--that means Im addicted to my Blackberry phone).
11) If you could have one moment being part of the Packer organization, what would it be?
What longtime saidI want to know what really happened in Lambeau during the summer of 08. I know there were lies on both sides, but it would be good to get straightened out on some issues. I also think it would be amazing to follow the team during draft preparation and be in the war room (especially Ted Thompson drafts) on draft day.
12) How many trips have you made to Lambeau?
2 games. Unfortunately, both have been losses. The first game was a complete nightmare even though I got to see Favre before he retired/got traded. Any of you remember the Jets game in '06? nuff said. I still loved that memory because it was just perfect Packer weather. Snowing and freezing like that is how I wanted to watch the Pack for the first time.
My last game was the Panthers game last year. Holy hell I was pissed after that game. Rodgers probably played his best game of the season only to be ruined by our terrible special teams/defense. It was too bad as I was feeling victory after the go-ahead FG. I wasnt even mad that the incredibly wasted high school girls behind me spilled bear all over my jacket all during the game. After the game was a different story.
Hopefully Ill get some better luck in the future as I know probably be able to make it to a few more games. My Dad has a connection with a friend that has a few extra tickets every year.
13) What is your worst fear?
Probably heights. I cant even peer over some 3 story decks in some of my buddies apartment complexes.
14) What type of hobbies do you enjoy?
HR derby, golf, and basketball with friends. Im also playing in a softball league with friends this year.
15) Whats your favorite food?
Gotta be cheeseburgers. I dont want to know how many of those Ive had in my life. Everywhere I go I order a big cheeseburger. Everyone gives me crap about that.
16) Where are some of the places youve been, and where are some of your favorites.
Bad person to ask this to. I havent even been out of the country
Well, within the US
Phoenix, AZ I take a golfing trip almost every year down there with my family over the winter. Just some awesome courses down there.
I took a big cross country trip to Salt Lake City from Fargo, ND a while back. I got to see Devil's Tower in Wyoming and driving through the mountains was pretty fun with the whole family.
17) What is one thing you've always wanted to do, but haven't done yet in your lifetime?
I want to visit Scotland and play St. Andrews. My Dad took a trip out there a while back and his pictures from the trip gave me the itch to go there one day.
18) If you could live anywhere where would it be?
I love Minneapolis since it has that small town feeling that Im used to but it still has the plusses of living in the big city.
During the brutal Minnesota wintersdefinitely Phoenix, AZ. Perfect weather down there during winter season.
19) Name your favorite 5 Packers all time and explain the reason for one of them.
Favre
Starr
Kramer - My Dad told me stories about how well he blocked the sweep and how fast he pulled over to block for Hornung and Taylor. Great player.
Driver
Kampman
20) Up to this date, what is you favorite PackersHome feature or memory?
Definitely the highlight vids. I look forward to those every week.
21) PM and post the next person to be interviewed.
How about dd80forever?
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"