Sept. 5, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Senior goalkeeper Jacob Wescoe saw his first regular season action this season and he is already making a huge impact. Wescoe was named co-ACC Player of the Week and to the Soccer America national team of the week. He shut out both VCU and Florida International at the Carolina Nike Classic. Each week THB.com will interview a member of the men's soccer team.

TarHeelBlue.com: What is your favorite Carolina soccer moment?
Jacob Wescoe: Probably the overtime win vs. Duke last year or the 2005 NCAA tournament run to the elite 8 my freshman year.

THB.com: Do you have a pregame ritual?
: The only pre-game ritual I have is my warm-up sequence. I go through certain drills before each game but the repetitions can vary depending on how I feel.

THB.com:What did you do over the summer to improve your game?
JW: One thing I really concentrated on this summer was building my leg strength back up. Since my initial ankle injury back in March of 2007, I have undergone three surgeries. The recovery period was extensive and I was unable to lift with my lower body so that was the main focus this summer.

THB.com:How does this year's team compare to other years?
JW: This team really reminds me of the one I was on my freshman year. I think we have a cohesiveness that will be essential to the success of this team. We have tried to create a very competitive atmosphere where everyone is involved and everyone is trying to make their teammates better.

THB.com:Where is your favorite place to eat on Franklin Street? Why?
JW: I would have to say Franklin St. Pizza Pasta which has some of the best garlic knots I've ever had.

THB.com:What's the best advice you've ever received and who gave it to you?
JW: I've gotten great advice and support throughout my ankle injury from my coaches, teammates, friends, and especially my family. My parents have told me numerous times that no matter what obstacles or bumps in the road you may face, God has a plan. Trust in Him and the path He will lead you down will be a glorious one. That piece of advice and outlook will be something I will try to apply in similar situations the rest of my life.

THB.com:Why do you wear the number 30?
JW: The number 30 is the atomic number of Zinc, a polygon with 30 sides is called a tricontagon and it is also the number I was given when I came here.

THB.com:What is the best thing about being a Tar Heel?
JW: Representing everything the University stands for. Each time you wear the jersey and see the fans in the stands it gives you a since of pride that is unexplainable. It also helps that you play for the best fans in the NCAA.

THB.com:How did you feel when you found out you were ACC Player of the Week after playing in your first regular season game?
JW: I was thrilled. Individually it feels very good but it also reflects our goals and the effort put in as a team on the defensive side of the ball. We came into this season wanting to have a shutout every game. That means making sure all 11 guys on the pitch are doing what they can to keep the ball away from our net. This weekend exemplified what we want to do on the defensive side of the ball every game.

THB.com:If you could play on another UNC athletic team, which team would it be?
JW: I'd have to say the baseball team. It's America's pastime and I grew up playing the sport and loved it.

THB.com:What is your favorite movie?
JW: Basically any good war movie with my all-time favorite being Saving Private Ryan.