Athlete of the Week: Billy Brown

Such was the case on Sat., Sept. 22, when wide-receiver Billy Brown, CC '02, led the Bulldogs to a 40-13 win in their home-opener against Cornell. In "one of the most emotional games" of his football career, Brown scored three touchdowns and proved to be the offensive spark needed to take Yale to its first victory.

Off the football field, however, Brown is surely not a taker. In fact, he spends the little time he has between football practice and academics giving back and directing credit where it's due. Brown acknowledges that winning football games is a team effort and praises his teammates and coaches for their commitment and positive attitudes.

In fact, Brown acknowledges that his favorite part about being on the team is the "great group of guys" he spends up to five hours with daily.

PHOTO BY CHIP LOCKWOOD Hometown: East Cleveland Major: Economics Favorite class: "History of the South - Emancipation to the Present" Favorite sport to watch: Tennis Favorite food: Shrimp Favorite tv show: The Jamie Foxx Show Favorite CD: The Chronic by Dr. Dre

Brown does his best to give back to Yale's football team, whose legacy and rich history prompted him to abandon his successful high school pursuits in basketball and track and focus on football. He played in every game last season except for one due to injury. When another injury sidelined him sophomore year, Brown continued to go through the daily grind of attending practices, all the while keeping up his workout regimen to ensure that he would be able to play again.

Brown also enjoys lending a hand to the New Haven community. He spends some of his limited leisure time visiting local hospitals with his teammates or hanging out with local children. "It's so rewarding to see a smile on the face of someone who has been through so much in his/her life," Brown said. "When you're in the position to give back [to the community], it's important to do what you can."

It is to the Yale community at large, however, that Brown feels most indebted. The Calhoun senior is amazed by the "dynamic group of people from all walks of life" that he has met in his years in New Haven.

He loves the genial, diverse atmosphere of campus and the warmth of his residential college community. Brown was so taken by the friendly faculty, staff, and student body in Calhoun that the self-described "clown who loves to just kick back and hang out with [his] roommates" opted to live on campus in his senior year.

This past summer, Brown worked in the Yale admissions office, an experience that he admits allowed him to fully realize "how awesome this place is." By interviewing rising high school seniors and helping to build the Class of 2006, Brown finally had the chance to give back to the school whose athletic, academic, and social opportunities have offered so much to him. To Brown, Yale is "more than a community—it's a home." —Tamar Schwartz

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