Q and A With Tim Machan and Tim Olivos

By Sean Wallis
Sports Information Student Assistant
Washington University in St. Louis

With over 200 tackles and seven interceptions in your two-year high school career, you seemed like you had pretty good instincts. Have you played defense your whole football career?

Tim Olivos: I actually played offensive and defensive line my first year of football as a freshman in high school. The next year I immediately jumped out to safety because we needed another one. And since then it’s always been defense. I was probably the skinniest lineman you’ve ever seen, but I did have a few pancake blocks.

Being a native St. Louisian-did that make your decision to come to Washington University easier or harder?

TO: To be honest it was both. It was really hard to stay in town when all my best friends were leaving the state. I grew up in University City about two minutes from campus and I felt like I was missing out on a new experience. But at the same time I had my family here and there’s no replacement for having your family at games. When I broke my wrist my sophomore year and had surgery they were there for me right away so I’d say it’s worked out for the best.

What’s been the best part of going to college so close to home? What’s been the worst part about it?

TO: The best part is being able to go home and get a good meal. This is the first year I haven’t shared a room with someone. So anytime I got sick of my roommate I was able to spend some time at home and forget about school. The worst part is I’m expected to attend every family function even when it interferes with my school schedule.

This is your third season contributing significantly on the field for the Bears-how have you improved as a defensive back during your time with WU?

TO: Leaps and bounds! Luckily I’ve gotten to learn from some great safeties in Tommy Bawden and Tim Machan and coach Israel Byrd is an incredible d-backs coach. I remember getting on the field as a sophomore and just being overwhelmed by the size and speed of the guys we played. Now being in the scheme, I know what’s expected of me and I try to stick to my assignment and trust that the rest of the defense will as well.

Last season you finished second on the team in interceptions and tackles for a loss on your way to being named honorable mention all-UAA. What are your personal goals on the field this season?

TO: I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to be an All-American. But more importantly I want to be known as part of a stingy defense. I want the other team to watch our film and know they are going to be in for a battle all day long. Also, I know we have the talent to be one of the best secondaries in the country. So our goal is to have no passing zones and finish top-10 in the country.

As a senior, do you feel a different role than in years past trying to show some of the younger defensive backs the ropes and how to be successful at the Division III level?

TO: It’s definitely a new role. I always try and lead by example so the younger guys see what it takes to be successful at such a demanding school both athletically and academically. Luckily, the d-backs have some great leadership in both Timmy and Nick Vom Brack. It really makes my job pretty easy, because those two set the tone every day.

While Sports Information Director Chris Mitchell says you’re going to the NFL combine as a 6’5 defensive back, what are your plans after graduating this May?

TO: I’m not really sure yet. I would love to work internationally in some capacity and would be more than willing to accept a job abroad next year. If that doesn’t work out hopefully I can find a business development or strategy job. I find those jobs the most interesting because you’re constantly working on all parts of the company so every day is different. But who knows, Chris Mitchell might be able to get me some looks from the league.

How has it been playing alongside fellow defensive back Tim Machan for four years? What is the best part about being on the field and having him as a teammate?

TO: Having Timmy back there with me is great. Not only is he one of the best players on our team, but also he leads by example, which makes him that much more valuable. You need to have trust in the secondary because it’s such a crucial position on the field and there’s no one else I’d rather play with. We’ve been through a lot together and we pretty much know exactly what to expect out of each other. I would compare our relationship on the field to that of twins, we just have those natural instincts knowing exactly where the other’s at during the game.

In high school you competed in everything from power lifting to lacrosse to track and field, but played football for one of the best high school programs in all of Wisconsin. Was football always your favorite sport and did you know that’s what you wanted to do in college?

Tim Machan: Football has been my favorite sport since I was six years old and first learned how to play. I came home from school and told my dad I was going to major in football in college. I knew I wanted to play football in college, it was just a matter of finding which school was the best fit for me.

How was making the college decision knowing your brother, Charlie, was at Washington University? Did that make your decision to come to St. Louis easier or harder?

TM: It was definitely a positive aspect of Washington U. I had the opportunity to come visit him a couple times while in high school and really liked the people and the campus. My sophomore year we both started and it was the first time that we ever got the chance to play together. Those are some of my favorite memories of playing football.

Was it difficult making the transition from being a team captain and significant contributor to taking a back seat role your freshman year at WU?

TM: It was definitely hard for those first couple of weeks of the season when not only was I not starting, but I also wasn’t getting in the games. I was able to work my way onto special teams and got a lot of experience that year. I learned a lot that year being behind some great players and was well prepared to take over the next year.

Your sophomore year you broke out in a big way. You tied the school record with three interceptions in one game (at Westminster 9/8/07). How special was that game for you?

TM: That game was a lot of fun, our entire team just clicked and we were able to control the entire game. So much of my performance in that game was a result of the great pressure that our defensive line and linebackers put on the quarterback. It made him force throws and I was at the other end of those passes.

You garnered some extremely impressive accolades that season as well, including an all-region selection and first team all-UAA selection. How nice are the individual accolades and how rewarding is it?

TM: It is definitely nice to have your performance recognized. One of the most rewarding parts of any sport is putting in the work and seeing it pay off on the field. That sense of accomplishment and pride in your performance is more important to me than the accolades.

This season, as a senior, how are you looking to make a difference differently than you have the past few seasons, on and off the field?

TM: This year I hope to bring my performance up to a higher level so that we can finally win a UAA championship. We haven’t been able to bring a championship home in several years and that is something that is very important to me.

How has it been playing alongside fellow defensive back Tim Olivos for four years? What is the best part about being on the field and having him as a teammate?

TM: Tim is a great teammate and friend. We play well together and more importantly we trust each other. So much of our defense is about knowing what other people are doing and when I’m on the field with Tim I know what to expect and what he expects from me. It makes us play better knowing that we are accountable.

I hear you and your brother Charlie curled competitively on a team that won several tournaments. How did you get involved in that and is that your favorite Winter Olympic sport?

TM: Charlie actually had a teacher who took his fourth-grade class on a field trip to try it out. He really enjoyed it and there was a local club that had a junior program we were able to get involved in. So much of curling is just about hanging out and socializing but then you still get to compete. I wouldn’t say that it’s my favorite Olympic sport, that would have to be ski jumping, but it’s definitely something that I hope to get involved in again later on in life.

What are your plans after the school year is over in May?

TM: Right now I am in the process of applying to physical therapy schools. That is a three-year doctorate program and then after that I hope to get involved in sports medicine with a professional or college team.