Erik Rockhold Just Seven Points Shy of 900 Mark
May 10, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (May 10, 2011) - This Sunday's game against the Fairbanks Grizzlies at the Sovereign Center could be a big day for Reading Express veteran kicker Erik Rockhold. Rockhold is just seven points away from notching 900 career points with the Express. Sunday's game will mark Rockhold's 95th consecutive game with the Express. He has appeared in every single game in franchise history. Rockhold has been a fan-favorite for years. In a special Q&A, "Rock" reflects on his life, his career, and, of course, the Reading Express.
How did you end up playing in Reading' Did you spend time with any other professional team prior to Reading'
Rockhold: I ended up in Reading because my previous coach, Ollie Guidry, was let go from the team I played for before coming to Reading. He became the inaugural head coach of the Express and asked me if I wanted to play for his new team, the Reading Express. I joined the Express for the inaugural season in 2006 and thus my career began here.
I played for several teams before coming to Reading. My pro career started with the Manchester Wolves in AF2, and then I had my workout stint with the Buffalo Bills of the NFL, then onto the Evansville Blue Cats of the United Indoor Football League, where I played for Ollie. I also played a couple of games for TEAM USA in Switzerland and in Mexico, and then signed on with the Express in 2006.
After playing with the Express for so many years, have you ever thought about changing teams or even leagues'
Rockhold: I will admit that I have had offers to play for other teams in the past, both in the league we used to be in, the AIFA, and from other teams in other leagues. Since Berks . Fire . Water Restorations (BFW) and Ted and Lisa Lavender became the owners of the Express and I became an employee of the company, I have to say that my situation worked out greatly in my favor and for that I have kept my loyalty to both the Express and BFW. They have treated me with respect and have given me a great opportunity to make a living and have a career as well as being able to continue to play arena football.
What made you want to continue to play football after your college career at Appalachian State'
Rockhold: After graduating from App State, it was a dream of mine to play and kick in the NFL. I signed with an agent and from there we did as much as we could to try and make my dream a reality. At this point in my career, I can say that I am completely satisfied for all the opportunities I have been given in my professional football career. I always loved to kick, and if you can make a living doing something you love to do, why not go after it'!
What has been the biggest change for you from playing outdoors at App State to playing indoor football'
Rockhold: I think any kicker will tell you that a major change from outdoor football to arena football is the size of the uprights! In the NFL and college they are 18 feet, six inches wide. In arena, they can be nine feet wide in the AFL to ten feet in our league and most other arena leagues out there. It's a big difference because even though I may miss a kick in our league, it might just have been good in the NFL.
Obviously that is a big difference for a kicker. Are there any other differences'
Rockhold: Besides the size of the uprights, I would say the wind. You don't have much of a weather factor in the arena game. I would have to say crowd size is smaller in arena than I was used to in college, but one thing I do love is that arena football is much better when it comes to fan participation. I love being able to sign autographs and take pictures with friends and fans after the game. I think it's the coolest part of the game!
What has been your most memorable experience in football playing for the Express'
Rockhold: I would have to say winning our championship in 2009. Many players play a lifetime of football and never get to win a championship. I can say I am very lucky and have won at every level I have played football in. Next to that, I would say when we beat the Canton Legends in 2007 to advance to our first championship. They were a great time and we had many a great game against them, and finally got them!
While playing in college what was your biggest accomplishment'
Rockhold: My biggest accomplishment in college would be being name to the Don Henson All-American team. I was also a two time All-Southern Conference Selection, and to this day, I am in the top three all time most accurate kickers in App State history. I didn't get that many opportunities in college, but tried to make the most of them.
How do you remember your high school football career'
Rockhold: I can say I went out on top in my high school career. My junior year we went 14-0, but lost in the North Carolina state championship game, finishing 14-1. My senior year we started out 2-2, and then went on to go undefeated the rest of the year and win a state championship against Tarboro. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to my high school football career. My grandfather also surprised me and flew out all the way from my true home, California, for the game. It was a great surprise and he got to see his grandson bring home a state championship.
Is there any special reason you wear No. 25'
Rockhold: During my red shirt freshmen year at App State, after our first game of the season against LSU, we lost by 7 and a senior ended up quitting after that game. He wore No. 25. After that game and from then on, I was No. 25. I have tried to get it for every team I have played on since then.
How do you feel about the organizational initiatives the Express are committed to'
Rockhold: I think the Express as a whole is made up of all of our organization initiatives and not just the football team. Each one plays a role in the success as a whole for the entire Express Organization. All of the Steam Team members do a great job in helping the football team gain exposure throughout Berks and the surrounding counties.
What is your favorite part about game day'
Rockhold: My favorite part about game day I think would be the team introductions. I love the feeling of running out on the field together and having my name called and hearing all of the support from friends and fans in the arena. It is definitely a great feeling to be a part of.
What's the best arena, besides the Sovereign Center, that you played indoor football in'
Rockhold: I would have to say playing in Green Bay this year; they had a great arena. On a side note, I have to say that for outdoor football, my senior year we opened up against Hawaii getting to play in the Pro Bowl stadium. A packed crowd of 50,000 saw the game and it was a tremendous feeling.
After your kickoffs, you always pick the tee up by transferring it between your legs to your hand. Is this a superstition' How did it start'
Rockhold: As far as the kickoff tee goes, I can't say where or when it started, I think it's just something I've done for as long as I can remember and we all know how kickers can be a little superstitious.
Besides the Express what is your favorite thing about Reading'
Rockhold: To me, moving to Reading without knowing a single soul, I have to say that every teammate I have played with and every employee I have had the pleasure of working with at BFW and all the friends I have made here have been the best part of living in Reading. Most people know my family lives back in North Carolina and I don't get to see them much, so all of my friends up here mean a lot to me.
What is an interesting fact about yourself that fans may not know'
Rockhold: I think I have a couple of interesting facts people may not know. I am in a video game, EA Sports NCAA Football for 2003-2004 when App State was added to the list of teams. I also have my own version of a Fathead - the poster that sticks to the wall, done our third season. Also, I absolutely love watches! It's been a hobby of mine since I was a little pebble - not yet a "Rock" (laughing). To this day I still love to learn about them and collect them. I also have a twin brother, Brent, who lives back home in North Carolina. We however are fraternal twins and look nothing alike. He's definitely a super smart kid and I wish I had his complete knowledge of electrical skills.
Beyond football what is your favorite thing to do in your spare time'
Rockhold: This is a good question because I feel like I don't have all that much spare time. When I do get down time, I love getting in the gym and just trying to spend time with friends. I do miss my family every day and always enjoyed doing many things with them when I lived back home.
What is the off season like for you'
Rockhold: The off season is just full of work! I am lucky enough to work for a company that stays plenty busy and allows me to work a lot of overtime. When Christmas time comes most know that I am home for the Holidays. It is great to spend the time with my family and get to see my niece Kadence and my nephew Casen. I love spending time with both my parents, Tom and Debbie, who have been married over 30 years and my twin brother, Brent, and my older sister, Alicia! I am a lucky kid in many many ways.
You mentioned you work for Berks . Fire . Water Restorations, parent company of the Express. How supportive is that company for the Reading Express'
Rockhold: BFW and its staff is a huge supporter of the Reading Express! Both our owners, Ted and Lisa, have come to play a major role in the development of the Express since first owning the team in season 2. From the marketing of the team, to our role as role models in the community, and to the Steam Team and their promotions, everyone does their part to help make the Express a success on and off the field
If you had to recommend one thing to someone who has never been to Reading to do what would it be'
Rockhold: If one were to visit Reading I would recommend two things. One, go up to the Pagoda and look out across the city at night. I know for the locals it's not a big deal, but it was really cool when I got to see it for the first time. And the second, without a doubt, come out and catch an Express game!
What advice can you give to aspiring pro football players'
Rockhold: To anyone who wants to continue playing football after college and become a professional athlete, I would just have to say that you always have to believe in yourself and in your dream. The NFL would be the ultimate goal, but there are many other leagues out there that allow you to continue playing pro football. The UFL, the CFL, and many different arena leagues allow someone to follow their dream. It you work hard enough, and get some breaks along the way, you might just get there. If you want it bad enough. In the words of Jimmy V: "Don't give up...don't ever give up!"
Next Game: You can see Rockhold and the rest of the Express play this Sunday, May 15, against the Fairbanks Grizzlies at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. EST.
Tickets are now on sale. Call the Reading Express office at 610.372.7277 or visit the Sovereign Center box office to get your seats for Sunday's game.
The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In five full seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 64-20 with four playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading begins play as a new member of the Indoor Football League. The team plays on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.
Indoor Football League Stories from May 10, 2011
- Colorado Ice Alumni Re-Signs in CFL - Colorado Crush
- Erik Rockhold Just Seven Points Shy of 900 Mark - Reading Express
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