Caleb Hutson makes great plays: on the field, as a member of Shenandoah University’s football team, and in the classroom as a business major. Head Football Coach Scott Yoder says of Hutson, “He continually is one of our hardest workers on our team, not just on the field, but in the classroom as well. I am very happy to see him recognized for his work.” In this interview, we learn more about Caleb’s academic and athletic successes.
Q. Where are you from, and how did you first hear about Shenandoah University?
I am from Fairfax, Virginia. I first heard about Shenandoah through the recruiting process for football.
Q. What position do you play on the football team?
Center.
Q. What has been your most memorable play so far?
My most memorable play so far was was during my sophomore year when we played against Randolph-Macon. Earlier in the game, I had to get one of of my teammates to pop my shoulder back into place. Later in the game, we had a big pass play downfield and my shoulder had popped out again, and while running down field to get back onto the ball, I had to get two teammates to try to pull it back into place in the middle of the field.
Q. Do you have any inspirational or funny stories to share from your experiences playing on the team?
A funny moment I had while playing on the team was during practice. We were going into our special teams period and I was a backup on the back wall of the punt team. The backups got put in and I was going through the motions when the punter punted the ball right off the back of my helmet. This was the first time I had seen this happen in person and everyone was laughing. So, for the rest of the year, whenever the backups were in on punt, one of the other kids on the back wall and I would basically get on all fours so none of us would get hit again.
Q. Tell us about your scholastic awards:
I’ve received the Dean’s List recognition during the past five semesters and President’s List for the past four semesters. Academic All-American is also another award I have received.
Q. And, your athletic awards:
This past season I was named Third Team All-ODAC
Q. How do you manage to balance your school and sports schedules?
Both of my parents are teachers, so managing my schedule in high school was required. Coming into college, I learned to manage my time even better with football practice. I have learned to set time aside specifically for my homework. When I come home from classes, I usually do the work that I received that day just to make sure I am up to date with things and not falling behind.
Q. Why did you decide to become a business major, and do you have a particular concentration?
My concentration in the business school is Sport Management. Out of all of the different choices, Sport Management appealed the most to me because of the sport aspect of it. Since I have been involved in sports most of my life, it was a huge interest of mine and it is something that I feel like I am very good at. I have enjoyed the business classes here and expanding my knowledge on the business of sports.
Q. What has been your favorite business class so far, and why?
I really enjoyed Ethics in Sport which was taught by Brian Wigley. One of the things I really enjoyed about the class is that Dr. Wigley let us speak our mind. There was no right or wrong answer when we talked about different subjects regarding sports and the ethical decisions that are made.
Q. What is your proposed graduation date?
May 2019
Q. Do you have any plans yet for what you want to do after you graduate?
I would like to go to on and receive my master’s in Sport Management and then hopefully get into coaching.
