Athlete Profile
Hometown
Simensbraathen, Norway |
High
School
Wang |
Year
Senior |
Major
Business |
Thomas has played two years
of PLU men’s soccer, though last season was cut short
– way short – by an injury. In fact, in his only
match, Thomas scored a goal. This season, he has stayed healthy
and has provided a lift in a reserve role. Thomas has scored
a goal and has one assist this season. By the way, rarely will
you ever see Thomas without a smile on his face.
Describe
your family. How have they helped you in your athletic career?
My family has always supported
me. My parents has always come to my games, may it be in Norway
or abroad (!). I really can’t believe how much time they
have put down to watch me play. I will always be thankful. My
brother and sister both play and coach soccer, and we have learned
a lot from each other.
Describe any hardships or
extenuation circumstances that you have faced to get to where
you are today.
Being injured for almost the entire
season last year was tough to overcome. I learned a lot at the
same time from Coach Yorke on how to coach a team and the obstacles
and challenges you are faced with coaching at this level. Coaching
is something I will do when I move back home. SAIL, we’re
taking over!
You have come a long way
from Norway to go to PLU. Why did you choose PLU?
I chose PLU because my dad met
(former PLU registrar) Chuck Nelson in Norway and they got a good
connection. I had actually applied and tried out for a (NCAA)
D2 school further north, and was ready to start there. Good thing
I didn’t, my time at PLU has been terrific!
What is one significant difference
between being a student in Norway and being a student in the United
States?
Cultural differences! The language
isn’t really a problem, but the way people are and act is
sure different. Being away from my family, who I’m real
close to, is also difficult at times, and therefore I’m
ready to move home next year.
What has been your favorite
class at PLU?
Statistics with Prof. Johnson and Information Systems with Prof.
Ptak were fun, but International Marketing with Simpson is what
I enjoy the most. Mr. Simpson really challenges you to learn!
What are you plans after
college?
I want to continue my studies in Germany
and Italy before next year is over, and then I might finish up
in Norway with a Master’s degree. After, I might start something
up myself or work in a large international company in Oslo.
When your athletic career
is all said and done, what is it that you would want people to
say about you?
A player that always supported his teammates.
And occasionally, his playing resembled Paul Gascoigne.
Have you been surprised –
in either a good or bad way – at the level of play in this
country in terms of the game of soccer?
The level is higher than what I expected. It is physically
tough, high-paced and much like the English Championship. It took
me a year to adapt to the American way of soccer.
If Norway and the United
States played each other in the World Cup final, who would win,
and why?
Norway! We have players that play every
weekend in the big leagues in Europe, and our youngsters are popular
among the big international teams. If you ask me the same question
in 10-15 years, I might answer differently.
Describe your hometown and
what you miss about it the most.
Simensbraathen is my favorite place on earth,
and it’s the only place I feel completely home. I miss being
there, hanging out with family and friends, and following my local
team.
What's your favorite spot
on campus?
Morken. What a great building!
What is your favorite restaurant
in Tacoma?
Such a cliché, but I’d have
to say “The Melting Pot.” Quiznos must be mentioned
too, as I’ve been there a lot of times.
What music is playing in
your ipod right now?
Still the same iPod I bought in 2002, and
the music is the same I put in then. Kenny G, Modern Talking and
Bjorn Eidsvag are among the artists I listen to the most.
