North Carolina State University Athletics
Catching Up With Bryant Salter
8/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 3, 2004
Raleigh, N.C. - As a new school semester approaches at NC State, the various fall sports are about to begin practice for their upcoming seasons. The NC State men's soccer team had quite an exciting 2003 campaign, that including a NCAA Tournament appearance. GoPack.com will sit down with various members of the Wolfpack in the upcoming weeks to preview the 2004 season. Junior Bryant Salter recently stopped by to catch us up with what he has been doing this summer in preparation for the season. Question: Since the spring season ended, what have you been up to this summer?
Salter: Last summer I feel like I just wasted my time, I didn't get much done at home so that is why I decided to stay in Raleigh this past summer. Staying here I was able to take summer school classes, work a lot of soccer camps for both NC State and CASL, and play in the PDL league. I've been real busy, but most of that time has involved me playing soccer so that was a huge benefit in preparing me for this upcoming season. Question: How was your time playing for the CASL Elite in the PDL league this summer?
Salter: Being able to play in the PDL with other local college players I see throughout the college season was beneficial to me. Just learning what I had to do to get better against players from UNC, Duke and Greensboro has to be an advantage to me. Constantly playing throughout the summer helped my skills get better, and it helped me playing against and practicing with so many ACC players. Question: What are you expectations for this year?
Salter: Last year was a good stepping stone to this year. We had a good season, being competitive in the ACC all year, having two exciting ACC Tournament games, and then advancing to the NCAA Tournament. We have the mentality this year that just winning a couple of games against those other ACC teams isn't good enough, we want to compete for the regular season title then go on and win the tournament. We had a good taste at the NCAA Tournament last year, so now we want to go back and continue further. We have a lot of our players returning from last season, and the coaches brought in some talented players to add into the mix. I know a lot of us have worked hard all summer, and hopefully we will see the benefits this season. Question: You've played mostly forward, but also saw time as an outside midfielder last year. Where would you rather play?
Salter: Coach has been telling me since the end of last year he just needs me to be on the field, now whether that is up top at forward or playing some outside midfield we will see once practice starts. I think my speed can be utilized anywhere on the field. I prefer to play offense, because that is what I came here to do, score goals. Ultimately it doesn't matter where I am on the field as long as I am helping the team get better. Question: Your father played tight end in the NFL and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame? Do you remember anything about his career?
Salter: I really don't remember too much about his playing days as I was too young, but he tells me stories about it all the time. I think all of his passion for sports is in me, and that has helped throughout my life. I don't really think I'm trying to fill his shoes, but I'm out there showing him that I can do my own thing. Question: Your speed is a major weapon in your game. How has your dad's NFL experience helped you out?
Salter: My Dad has always pushed my speed, he noticed it when I was younger and has helped me throughout my life. He has had me work on my technique. I think he thought that was something I could use in whatever sport I decided to play, and in soccer it has been a tremendous advantage for me.
