Athlete Profile: Josh Kristof

The Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas Academy football co-op has turned its program around during the last few years. While the co-op has certainly improved on offense, its defense has also stepped up its level of play, with senior Josh Kristof being a big reason why.

Kristof has been an all-conference linebacker since his freshman season. He made the MONLPC 8-player honorable mention team as a freshman.

Kristof made the team’s all-conference list again as a sophomore, when the conference didn’t distinguish between first, second or honorable mention teams.

As a junior, Kristof was a first-team all-conference linebacker. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.

Now a senior, Kristof also serves as a running back for the co-op.

The Lena/STAA football team opens up postseason play Oct. 21 at Gibraltar.

Q: When did your interest in football begin?

A: As long as I can remember, I’ve always loved the game of football.

Q: What is your favorite part about the football season?

A: My favorite part about the football season would be game day and the adrenaline rush I get when I am on defense.

Q: What has the game of football taught you over the years?

A: Football has taught me to be a leader and be confident in my ability to play well in each game.

Q: What’s helped you become the strong defensive player you are?

A: My coaches pushed me to become the best defensive player that I can be. I started playing linebacker freshman year and didn’t know what I was doing. The coaches teaching me and my commitment to being the best contributed to being the strong defensive player I am today.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the football field and why?

A: My favorite thing to do on the football field would be hitting people. Being aggressive is my biggest strength, and taking out that aggression on the field is the best.

Q: The team has enjoyed two really strong years in a row. How much fun has it been to be part of those teams to end your high school career?

A: It has been so much fun the past two years, and it is great to see the support of the fans that come to our games. I couldn’t ask for a better team to be with for my senior year, and I wish them the best for when us seniors are gone.

Q: As a senior, how did you help lead the rest of the team?

A: I am confident in our team’s ability to win each and every game, and it rubs off onto the younger kids. Their energy on the sidelines makes the game so much fun. During practice, I also push the other guys to do their best because I think that you practice how you play.

Q: Before a game starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?

A: I always give the pregame speech before our games to hype up the team and set the tone for the game.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Lena/STAA football team?

A: My favorite memory so far would be winning our first home playoff game last year. The whole town was there cheering us on, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Silence of the Lambs.” TV show — “Stranger Things.” Musical artist — Ice Nine Kills.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under a minute.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I hope to go on and play football in college and study business. I would also like to get at least a 3.5 GPA in college.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Josh Kristof

Sport: Football

Positions: Middle linebacker, running back

School: Lena High School

Year: Senior