Presented by

Week 9
Brian
EMMERLING

1990-1992

Where are living now?
Westerville, Ohio

What are you doing now?
I am the Head of Commercial Banking in Central Ohio for KeyBank.

Married? Children?
Yes--married to Lisa and we have three children: Kaitlin, Ava, and Grant. Kaitlin just graduated from DeSales and is headed to The Ohio State University this fall. Ava is a Junior at DeSales, and Grant is in 8th grade at St. Paul.

Did you play collegiately?
Yes--at John Carroll University

What is the fondest memory from your playing career at DeSales?
Everything! I am grateful for just getting to be part of the tradition. I played with and against some DUDES. I am hesitant to name names because I am sure to leave someone out, but Smith & Young, Fickell, Magic, Lucky, Chalaco and Callaghan, Merrick, Sauer, Asbeck, Mangini, Limbach, Habing . . . a lot of guys that were physically gifted but really became great because of commitment and effort. And we had amazing coaches who demanded excellence on and off the field. Being part of this program demands that you give all that you have, all of the time. You had to earn the right to wear the uniform--and I loved every part of that!

What made playing for DeSales so special?
Playing football for DeSales prepared me for life. That may sound corny or over-the-top to some people, but the things I learned and the people I got to be around really made a big difference in who I am today. We all like to call it the tradition. I think some people confuse tradition with winning. Tradition isn't just about some past success. It is a level of responsibility you feel when you step into the brotherhood. You owe something to those that came before you and those that will come after you. The pursuit of excellence. There is a weight to it and a particular way that champions show up for each other. What makes DeSales so special is that the people here have been able to protect that culture and character through the years. Faith, Family, Tradition.

What was your best game?
I don't know that I ever think of it that way. My job was to do whatever it took to help us win. I was lucky enough to play in 7 playoff games, including a State Championship. We beat some great teams along the way and how we went about our business is my small piece of the tradition.

What was it like playing for Coach Jacoby?
Coach Jacoby is amazing. He had a way of getting guys to "buy into" the program. He gave everyone on the team a book my sophomore year called The Edge. I am sure if he reads this he will find it funny that one of the fondest things I remember about him has to do with a book. Anyway, it contained quotes and inspirational material from famous athletes and writers. I still have that book and still look at it today (and bore my kids to tears with the quotes). Coach was always thinking about things like that--how to get you to try to be the best version of yourself. Coach Wiggins has that same way about him. It's easy to see why the program is still so successful.

Do you still follow DeSales, if yes, how closely?
Yes! It helps that I have kids at the school, but I go to at least one game every year and have long listened to Pouring Purple when I cannot attend.