Senior Profile - Garrett Hill
9/9/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 9, 2001
By Karen Steinhoff
MU Media Relations Office
"Every game is a big game."
"No fear, just anxiety."
"Be the best player you can every play."
These thoughts run through Garrett Hill's head every time he steps onto the football field, and not just then. Hill, a senior tight end from Liberal, Kan., wakes up thinking of yesterday's scrimmage, finds his thoughts drifting to game plans during class, practices with all of his heart in the afternoon and evening, and then mentally prepares for tomorrow's repeat schedule as he lies down to sleep at night.
"I wouldn't trade it for the world," says Hill of his decision to play college football at MU.
Hill, who chose MU over Northwestern and Army, did not begin playing football until his junior year in high school. He moved from the big basketball town of Quincy, Ill., to the big football town of Liberal. An elbow to the face during a basketball game tore his retina and deterred him from playing football as a sophomore. Five surgeries later, Hill has both eyes on a championship season.
Hill spent the summer rigorously training five hours a day with head strength and conditioning coach Jeff Fish and his staff.
"Coach Fish got us mentally tough and prepared us above and beyond the call of duty," says Hill.
Hill has worked hard because he loves to look into the stands of Memorial Stadium from his vantage point on Faurot Field.
"It's just a huge sea of black and gold and it's pretty awe inspiring," he said. "Your heart is beating so fast ... All the time."
Much of Hill's dedication to the team cannot be shown on the field. He feels his senior status allows him to recognize things and serve as a mentor for the younger players. Hill enjoys meeting the newcomers and helping them adapt to the college environment.
In fact, his mentoring of sophomore Marcus James began in high school. Hill and James played together for one year at Liberal High School.
"I was a senior and Marcus was a freshman. I gave him his first good lick in football practice," says Hill, with a chuckle. The two, good friends despite their age difference, share a loyal fan base from Liberal.
However Hill's most loyal fans are his parents, Darrel and Shana Hill. Their love, support, and guidance have helped Hill to grow into the strong person he is today. Hill's bond with his family is strengthened with almost daily phone calls.
"I have got to talk to my mom," he says with a smile. "They're (Hill's parents) always there." Since Hill came to Mizzou to play football, they have only missed two games. The Hill family is fortunate to be located near Missouri rivals Oklahoma, Kansas State, and Kansas. The Hill family now has another incentive to travel to Columbia as Blaine Hill, Garrett's younger brother, is a freshman this year at Missouri. Family is top priority in Hill's life. Hill's family does not end there. The football team provides a family as well.
"Without your buddies on the team, and the coaches, being up here away from your parents, especially your first year here, you really get to cling to these guys, and you pull for each other," he said. "You're fighting out there, you bleed together, and without their camaraderie and loyalty to each other, it just wouldn't work. This is definitely a huge family."
When not on the field, Hill is usually with teammates golfing, watching movies, and having fun.
This fall, however, Hill is focusing on three main priorities: family, football, and the law school entrance examination (LSAT). Hill is studying political science and wants to become a corporate lawyer. Hill would like to attend MU's School of Law. He is prepared to work hard for a successful season and LSAT score. Hill credits playing football for teaching him time management and prioritizing skills. "Football and the LSAT. Football and the LSAT," said Hill of his goals this fall.
Hill is proud to be in his fifth year of the program. He has seen himself grow as a person and a player. He is fortunate to have obtained only minor injuries, such as torn cartilage in the back of his shoulder, which healed quickly. "I owe a lot to Rex Sharp (MU's director of sports medicine)," said Hill. "He has put me back together from rolled ankles, broken fingers, and stuff like that. He's helped keep me playing here for five years."
Hill also says he owes a lot to the fans. He is excited about having the students directly behind the team.
"You hear the comments and the cheers. You still love to see the fans," said Hill. "You really take it to heart when you step out on the field. You see everyone out there who came to see you play, and it's just awesome."
