Army West Point Athletics
Black Knight Spotlight - Brian Chmura
September 12, 2007 | General
Senior linebacker Brian Chmura has had Army in his blood from the day he was born. The son of a Lieutenant Colonel and the grandson of a distinguished Korean War veteran, we recently asked Brian to reflect on his experiences at the Academy over the last three years, and the role Army Football has played in his development as a cadet.
1. Why did you choose to come to West Point?
I chose to come to West Point, because it was an opportunity to play Division I football, and to play some of the best teams in the country like Notre Dame, Rutgers, and Boston College. I also came because it was an opportunity to receive a great education.
2. What does it mean to be an Army Football player?
It means everything to be an Army football player. I have been a football player since eighth grade and that’s what a lot of people associate me as, a football player. I love that I can say that I play Army football and see the reaction that people have. It is a sense of pride. It is an amazing feeling putting that uniform on each Saturday, walking into Michie Stadium and being cheered on by 40,000 fans every game.
3. How has playing Army Football changed you?
Army football has changed me by helping me to grow up. Without football, I do not think I could have made it through West Point. I have learned how to work harder than I ever thought I could and that if you have a goal that you want to reach, nothing should stand in your way. As long as you have a desire to accomplish something, that’s all you need. Never pay attention to critics. If you believe in yourself, that’s all that matters.
4. What is the biggest lesson you have learned during your time as an Army Football player?
No matter what hardships you face on or off the field, anything can happen if you persevere through them. I have learned a lot about myself and who I am and that I can push myself farther than I ever thought I could. That comes from playing Army football.
5. Describe your fondest Army Football memory.
My fondest memory is all the friendships I have made through football. My teammates are some of the closest friends I will ever have. I know we would do anything for each other and just knowing that someone has my back, no matter what situation, is a great feeling.
6. Think back to your first day of practice as a plebe. If you could go back and give yourself some advice, what would it be?
I think the one piece of advice I would give myself is to play for today. Play this one snap, play this one practice. Do not think too far in advance. No matter what happens, shrug it off and focus on the next thing in front of you. Do not dwell on the bad things too long. Learn from them and move on. We all are going to make mistakes, but learning from them and moving on is the best thing you can do for yourself.
7. Who has had the biggest impact on you during the last four years?
My dad has had the biggest impact on me over the last four year. He has always been there for me no matter what. I remember calling him numerous times when I was feeling like West Point was not the place for me. He was always there, not to force me into anything, but to make me realize the opportunities I had at West Point. Just knowing he was proud of me, no matter what decision I made, is a big reason why I was able to make it through all the obstacles that thrown at me. I owe a lot to my dad. without him I wouldn’t be in the situation I am today.
8. Talk a little more about your father, as well as your grandfather, and what it means to follow in their footsteps serving in the Army.
My father and grandfather are the type of leaders I want to be once I become an officer. I did not see my grandfather as a soldier, but just from being around him, I know that he took pride in his profession and that he cared about what he was doing every day of his career. From my dad, I take a whole lot, but the biggest thing is his leadership style. He really cares about his job and his troops and to see the respect that he gets from his soldiers is pretty amazing. I hope I can be half the officer my dad is one day.
9. What does the Army defense have to do to be successful in 2007?
To be a successful defense this year, we just have to play together and swarm to the football every play. The biggest thing is to have the confidence that we can play with any team in the country. We are a very good defense and have a lot of returning starters, and are good enough to play against any offense in the country. We just have to keep that mentality throughout the year.
