The Full-Court Press: Collin Zych '11

As the football team finished its season with its fourth straight victory over Yale, the Back Page gives you an opportunity to meet captain Collin Zych, an unanimous selection to the All-Ivy First Team announced today. In this exclusive interview, Zych reveals his embarrassing fumble return, why he would want to play basketball, and which Olympic gold medalist he would like to date. Every week, The Full-Court Press will give you the sort of personal scoop that you’re not likely to hear at a typical press conference.

Name: Collin Zych

Year: 2011

Stats: In his three seasons on the field, Zych accumulated 224 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, six interceptions, and 27 pass breakups. This season, Zych ended the season tied for a team-high 79 tackles. He also led the Crimson with 40 solo tackles, three interceptions and 12 passes defended.

Now, to the questions!

1. Typical pre-game meal.

I just eat what I normally would, nothing too fancy.  No fried food though.

2. Songs you listen to before games to get pumped up.

Mostly hip-hop.  Eminem, Lil John, and Jeezy are my artists of choice.

3. Favorite team to play against and why.

Yale. The Game is always an amazing experience, and I have a lot of respect for their players and program.

4. Most ridiculous thing that has taken place in your team's locker room.

I'll have to be careful with this one...The post-game dancing to "Dancing in the Moonlight" can get pretty ridiculous.

5. Most embarrassing moment you've had on the field.

When I was much younger, I picked up a fumble and returned it the wrong way.  I was so young at the time that all of the parents thought it was cute.  Had it happened in high school or here at Harvard, I may have never been able to live it down.

6. Animal that best represents your style of play and why.

From my roommate and Harvard QB Collier Winters: "One of those birds that dive bombs into the ocean."  I will assume he is referring to my reckless style of tackling.

7. The most ridiculous thing you've heard a fan yell at a game you were playing in.

I try to block out the crowd, but I did hear a fan at Penn bring up something from my high school career.  I had to tip my hat because he had done his homework.

8. If you could play for another sports team at Harvard, which would it be and why?

Basketball, no question.  Coach Amaker seems really great, they get the best free gear on campus, and their games have a great atmosphere.  The only bad thing is their extremely long season, which eliminates winter break and spring break.

9. Position you'd play in Quidditch.

Umm, seeker?  That is the only position I can remember off the top of my head.

10. If you could go on a date with any professional athlete, who would it be?

Great question.  I would have to go with Nastia Liukin.  She is from Murphy, Texas, which is the town right next to mine.  So at least I have some ounce of a chance of actually getting the date.