Football | 4/9/2020 11:01:00 AM

Every Thursday we will profile an Emporia State alumni student-athlete. Today our feature is former Hornet football player Ross Bjork.

Name: Ross Bjork
Sport: Football
Years: 1993-94

Ross Bjork played running back for the Hornets in 1993 and 1994 after transferring to Emporia State from Dodge City CC.  He has been the Director of Athletics at Texas A&M University since July of 2019 after spending seven years as the Athletic Director at Ole Miss. Bjork is a native of Dodge City, Kan., and received his bachelor's degree in recreation administration from Emporia State in 1995.
 
Why did you chose Emporia State?
I chose ESU because of the opportunity to play college football and a chance to play in an offense that suited my position.  Since I played fullback, Coach Kramer's "smash mouth" style of play was perfect for me.  I also felt right at home with Dr. Glen Lojka, who served as my academic advisor and helped me create a degree program that matched my interest in sports and business.  Emporia State was perfect for me on so many levels. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a student-athlete at Emporia State?
My favorite memory was getting to play tailback most of my senior season.  Our starting tailbacks were pretty much hurt all season so our tight end (John Davis who later played six years in the NFL) and I were the next men up and got to carry the load at tailback for a big part of the season.  The downside was we had to rely on my lack of speed to win games and that didn't work out so well!  I like to tell people that Brian Shay broke all my records in just one game!
 
What is your favorite non-sports memory from your days at ESU?
Getting to make lifelong friends and being able to evolve my leadership skills.  Since I wanted to work in sports, there were two administrators who took me under their wings and gave me an opportunity.  Danny Powell and Brian Pracht were instrumental in giving me great athletics administration experience during my senior year.
 
What is the greatest lesson you learned as a student athlete?
Hard work - if you didn't come to work hard every day under Coach Kramer, you didn't last very long.  I learned that nothing will work unless you do!
 
What advice would you pass along to current student athletes?
Cherish the moments you have each and every day.  Games are fleeting and they go by way too fast.  However, the relationships and leadership lessons will stay with you for the rest of your life.  Cherish those moments so you can become the person you are capable of.