Athlete of the Week: Vaughn Pemberton, Loyola Academy football

Pemberton is a senior running back for the Ramblers, who scored the game-winning touchdown on opening night Friday, March 19. He will continue playing football at Ball State University next season.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Not particularly no. I just try to get in that zone and just put my headphones on and be around my position group or best friends on the team. For football, there’s a different type of atmosphere, a different type of energy you need to have.

2. Why was Ball State the right college for you?

I felt like they really wanted me. I wanted to go somewhere where I was wanted, and after I had a Zoom call with Ball State for like two and a half hours, my dad and I had the conversation right after, like, we need to really consider them. About two weeks later, I made the move.

3. What’s your favorite thing to do off the field?

Maybe just like watch a movie. In general, I would most likely stay at home and watch a movie with my mom rather than go out. That’s just the type of person I am.

4. If you could play a third sport for Loyola, what would it be?

Maybe hockey, if I could learn how to skate. That’s just hitting.

5. Who’s the funniest guy on the team?

I think it’s probably a tie between Jack Roach and Marco Maldonado. The stuff (Marco) says sometimes is so out of nowhere. I don’t know where he gets it from sometimes.

6. What is your dream job?

Might be working for like a shoe company, or maybe like a sports analyst. That would be nice. I’d just get to talk about sports all day. (Are you a shoe guy?) I used to be, but I kind of stopped. My feet got way too big to be wearing Jordan 1’s around.

7. Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite running back to watch is probably Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans). He’s just, you know. There’s not much of an explanation I can give.

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

Oh, you know the Nerds Gummy Clusters. They are like these big chewy Nerds. They are good. They are very good. I get them just about every time I go into Walgreens.

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

Most people don’t know that I have a brother who plays basketball at (Boston College). So shout out to him — Quinn Pemberton. He’ll be happy I used that.

10. What can this team accomplish this year?

I think this team can accomplish a lot, and I think we can really make a statement. Even though there are no state playoffs, I think we are ready to show people. Last year, it was different. We’re gonna be a lot better this year. We’re gonna be good.