How Sixteen Chicken Wings Created the Ultimate Wildcat
Northwestern defensive lineman Joe Spivak received the program's highest honor when he was named the Ultimate Wildcat at the start of fall camp. Spivak met with the media Monday to discuss the journey that led to him becoming the Ultimate Wildcat, and it all boils down to some flaming hot chicken wings.
The recipient of the No. 1 jersey is voted on by the players and is awarded each year to "the player who embodies and represents the Northwestern Wildcats not some of the time, but all the time. The consistency in the way he approaches school, the way he approaches life, and the way he approaches being the best teammate he can be every single day."
Spivak, a graduate student, said he is humbled by the opportunity to wear the No. 1 and credits former recipients of the award for showing him what it takes to uphold the tradition.
"The guys who came before me absolutely showed me the way," Spivak explained. "They showed me how to lead and were just such unbelievable role models. That's not just the guys that were wearing the number one. This place is a family, and honestly, from the second you get here, everyone shows you how to do things right, it's just on you to do exactly that."
"Getting that affirmation from my brothers and from everyone in this program was absolutely humbling," he continued. "That was an unbelievable moment ... all I can do is thank the guys that have showed me how to lead and just be a great Wildcat. It's all for them."
Northwestern Football
When asked what advice he'd give to aspiring athletes, Spivak reminisced on advice he received from former Northwestern offensive lineman J.B. Butler.
"He said it my freshman year: 'you belong here.'"
Spivak elaborated on how those words influenced his development as a player and as a man at Northwestern.
"A lot of guys come and they get down on themselves after a couple bad reps and they question themselves. You need to know that you belong here. Your work will pay off and you're here for a reason ... Every single young player, not just at Northwestern or in college football, should know that because it's too beautiful of a grind and special time in your life to not embrace it."
It was a hot chicken wing eating contest during a team trip to Nashville his freshman year that made the 6'0", 300-pound DL feel like he truly belonged in the purple and white.
"We were just cranking wings down and seeing the tally go up ... that was one of the moments that I was like 'this is what college football is about.' It's about being with the boys, embracing each other and having fun on and off the field."
As for the contest itself, Spivak said the wings were "real hot" and that they reached "around sixteen wings in under two minutes."
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Can Northwestern Win the Big Ten West in 2021?
Northwestern' Top Five Position Battles to Watch for in Camp
Rashawn Slater Signs Four-Year Deal With Chargers
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter and Instagram:
Facebook - @SIWildcatsDaily
Twitter - @SIWildcats Daily and Lauren Withrow at @lolowithrow
Instagram - @SIWildcatsDaily and Lauren Withrow at @lolowithrow