X-Men soccer midfielder Josh Weinberger is the latest athlete featured in our Getting to Know your X-Women and X-Men series throughout the summer. Josh recently completed his third year eligibility (fourth year studies) with the X-Men and is an Arts student from Calgary, AB.
What brought you to StFX?
I was initially drawn to StFX because of an opportunity to play for my youth soccer mentor Graham Kennedy, who had just been named the future head coach of the men's soccer team. Once GK got the X job I spent some time researching the school and decided - along with two of my closest friends - to make the switch from the University of Calgary, and transfer to Antigonish.
What has been your best moment in a StFX uniform so far?
During the two years I have spent at X, the soccer program has gone through a significant transformation. Graham has done a fantastic job of recruiting and helped to strengthen a very talented group of existing players. For me, the most significant moment in our programs transformation came this past season in a fantastic home victory over Saint Mary's University. At the time both teams were undefeated, SMU were ranked #5 in the country and we were ranked #8. We were down 1-0 at half time, but managed to take control of the game and finish with a 3-2 victory. We scored three fantastic goals, in front of the largest and most supportive support home crowd in memory. It was a really important victory for our program, and we enjoyed the win immensely, celebrating on the field and in the change room afterwards!
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Expectations are very high this season. Because of what we were able to accomplish last season in going undefeated and achieving the first #1 national ranking in our program's history, everyone associated with our program expects another quality season. While it would be great to achieve another #1 ranking, all that matters is our performance in playoffs, which has not been good enough in the past couple of years. Like most of my teammates, I am most looking forward to an opportunity to represent our program and our school at a national tournament. Like I said, expectations are high.
Who has been the most influential person in your life (and why)?
Good friends and family members have all been very important to me. Especially thankful for the commitment to education that I learned from my parents
One thing I cannot live without is…?
My lucky jeans
My dream vacation destination is…?
Brazil 2014 World Cup
Tell us one thing that fans may not know about you?
I am obsessed with shoes...of all kinds, especially soccer boots. I collect all my boots from over the years, even when they are falling apart. Currently my collection is resting at 10 pairs.
FAVORITES:
Past-time/hobby: Time with friends
Restaurant: the SUB cafeteria - I eat there everyday
Book: Shock Doctrine - Naomi Klein
TV show: The Simpsons
Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Actor/Actress: Natalie Portman
Singer/Band: Arcade Fire
Sport (other than your own): Golf - just learning
Pro sports team: Arsenal Football Club - the gunners
Pro sports athlete: David Beckham