Spring Break
The Daily OrangeAbout Schmidt: Virginia's Brennan Schmidt kept his faith and it's paying off for the lineman
By Dave Murphy
Posted: 9/14/05, 11:14 PM EST Section: Sports
Virginia's Groh found a gem in Schmidt, though, especially for his 3-4 defense, a scheme that is rarely used in college football. According to Schmidt, making the 3-4 successful takes dedication. He works hard to give his teammates the inspiration to make the defensive scheme work to perfection.
"I try to set an example for the rest of the players," Schmidt said. "We've got guys that are really dedicated to learning our defense, and that gives us an advantage."
Most fans know of Schmidt's heart on the field, but few know of his compassion off it. With the help of his family, Schmidt devotes his life to serving those less fortunate in an effort to give back the blessings he's received.
While in high school, Schmidt spent time volunteering for numerous charities at home and abroad. He worked for the Tuloy Foundation for street children in Asia and the Vince Lombardi Foundation for cancer research, which his father helped to create.
While growing up, Schmidt and his siblings had the rare opportunity to go on international business trips with their father's broadband technology firm. In the Philippines, Schmidt utilized his knowledge of football and strength conditioning and coordinated with local priests to create a weight-training program for homeless children.
"Brennan has always been a guy who is interested in people," Bob Schmidt said. "When we were in the former Soviet Union, he'd always talk to people and introduce me to people he met there."
Schmidt's desire to help others stems from his religious roots, which guide him on and off the field. Bob Schmidt likes to say that his family is a group of "Christians that belong to the Catholic club." They believe that it's one's spiritual core and his relationship with his maker is what's important.
"(Religion) is my greatest motivator," Schmidt said. "Football gives me the chance to show what God has blessed me with."
Schmidt's Christianity and dedication to his sport were two of the key factors that helped him cross paths with Syracuse lacrosse player Nathan Kenney, who recently enrolled as a graduate student at SU.
"I try to set an example for the rest of the players," Schmidt said. "We've got guys that are really dedicated to learning our defense, and that gives us an advantage."
Most fans know of Schmidt's heart on the field, but few know of his compassion off it. With the help of his family, Schmidt devotes his life to serving those less fortunate in an effort to give back the blessings he's received.
While in high school, Schmidt spent time volunteering for numerous charities at home and abroad. He worked for the Tuloy Foundation for street children in Asia and the Vince Lombardi Foundation for cancer research, which his father helped to create.
While growing up, Schmidt and his siblings had the rare opportunity to go on international business trips with their father's broadband technology firm. In the Philippines, Schmidt utilized his knowledge of football and strength conditioning and coordinated with local priests to create a weight-training program for homeless children.
"Brennan has always been a guy who is interested in people," Bob Schmidt said. "When we were in the former Soviet Union, he'd always talk to people and introduce me to people he met there."
Schmidt's desire to help others stems from his religious roots, which guide him on and off the field. Bob Schmidt likes to say that his family is a group of "Christians that belong to the Catholic club." They believe that it's one's spiritual core and his relationship with his maker is what's important.
"(Religion) is my greatest motivator," Schmidt said. "Football gives me the chance to show what God has blessed me with."
Schmidt's Christianity and dedication to his sport were two of the key factors that helped him cross paths with Syracuse lacrosse player Nathan Kenney, who recently enrolled as a graduate student at SU.
