Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Brendan Loftus, Loyola basketball and football

Brendan Loftus is a senior center for the Ramblers basketball team. He posted 18 points and 16 rebounds in a recent victory over Downers Grove South. Loftus is also committed to play tight end for the Miami University (Ohio) football team.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I would say I always listen to music in the locker room, usually country music. It kind of calms me down. Then we go to the chapel and say a little prayer and from there, get into warmups and that gets me hyped.

2. Why is Miami a good fit for you?

On my first visit, the second I got there, I really just loved the campus. And when I met all the coaches, they were great to me. I feel like I’m going into a great situation with a lot of positives and I’m really looking forward to it. It felt like the perfect fit for me.

3. What is your favorite thing to do off the field/court?

I’d probably say golfing with my friends. I feel like I do that all summer. It’s a main hobby of mine. You’re out enjoying the nice weather, playing some golf.

4. Who is your favorite athlete?

I’d probably say Rob Gronkowski (Retired NFL tight end). He played the same position as me, and I feel like I always look up to him. I like watching his highlight tapes and he seems like a fun guy to be around, off the field with his personality.

5. What would be your dream job, other than playing in the NFL?

I think I would like to go into business in some form. I am majoring in marketing when I get to Miami, so something in that field.

6. You are one of Loyola’s all-time leading rebounders. What makes you an effective rebounder?

I feel like it’s how physical I am. I just get that from football. I have a different mindset from everyone on the basketball court. No one plays as physical as I do and it helps me get the ball more than anyone else.

7. What do you enjoy about being a tight end?

Only a certain player can play the position. You got to know everything the offensive line does and have to know everything receivers do. You have to be as physical as an offensive lineman and as quick and elusive as a wide receiver. I feel like it’s one of the most important positions on the field for sure.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’d probably go with maybe a box of Oreos and a cherry Coke.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

People don’t know that I am a big Taylor Swift fan. I would say I’m a pretty big fan. I follow her pretty heavily; I’m not going to lie.

10. What do you hope this basketball team will accomplish this season?

We’re definitely hoping to earn the No. 1 seed in our sectional and take care of the regional at home this year. And that will come with us getting better every day at practice, keep taking steps forward and not backward until February.

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