For Greg Arnold football is a family affair

UW-Whitewater’s Greg Arnold views his college football career a bit differently than most. The Hawks’ senior “mike” linebacker is also a father of twin daughters and family life has been a major factor in his success in the classroom and on the playing field.

With all on his “table” the senior from Mukwonago relishes in the “family” mentality both on and off the field.

“It is my girlfriend Jenny,” Arnold tells Warhawkfootball.com. “She is the one I give all the thanks to. She is the one that makes it possible for me to play this great game of football.”

(In the adjacent photo – Greg Arnold experiences the “play’ of his senior season by being escorted onto the field on Senior Day along with his twin daughters and family – photo courtesy of Leah Thyne, UW-Whitewater athletics)

Being named UW-Whitewater’s defensive captain prior to the season brought with it additional responsibility – a trait that Arnold has accepted while balancing his life while in college.

“It makes you grow as a man and to get your priorities straight,” Arnold said. “You learn to understand how you need to do things. It definitely helps me in my play.”

Arnold has spent half his senior season hobbled by a high ankle sprain. Hurt in the first half of Whitewater’s 42-21 win over Stout on October 14th, Arnold missed the next three-and-a-half games.

The preseason All-American was allowed to dress for the Eau Claire game on November 5th but did not play. Greg’s return vs. La Crosse last week allowed the “man in the middle” to rid himself of plenty of frustration’ by leading the Hawks with 10 tackles in the game.

“I was definitely itching to get out there,” Arnold reflects. “It was great to be able to rejoin my teammates on the field and I just wanted to make the most of it.”

As far as being a senior and do you dwell on the fact that each game could be the last of your career?

“Definitely, but as a team we have that humble confidence that we are going to succeed,” Arnold said. “We know that it could be our last game but we’re not going to let that happen.”