As fall camp gets going, meet the next senior as part of our spotlight series: Chad Harpster!
The White Lake, Michigan native is the Blue Streaks’ starting long snapper, occupying the role for the last several seasons.
Harpster is a two-time Academic All-OAC honoree and a Business major. Meet Harpster:
Why did you choose to attend John Carroll?
I chose John Carroll because of the people. When I came on my visit and tour to the school I immediately felt like a part of the community. As soon as you step on campus you can feel the community and welcoming nature of everyone on campus.
What does being a Blue Streak mean to you?
Being a Blue Streak to me is being a part of something bigger than yourself. In order to be a Blue Streak and Man of Carroll, you have to be a person for and with others, work hard to achieve your goals, and buy into the program and the people around you.
What are some of your favorite memories as a student at JCU?
Any of the on campus traditions like cafsgiving or midnight breakfast. My favorite football memory is beating Baldwin Wallace for the last time in 2024 in a close game. The things that I’ll miss the most is traveling with the team, eating breakfast with your brothers, and the locker room before practices.
What else have you been involved with on campus besides football?
Since my freshman year, I have been involved in Student Government. Starting as a Senator for the class of ’26, I then served as the class president for two years before being elected to the Director of Student Organizations for the school. I am also a tour guide on campus as well as a part of the Labre Core Team, serving as the Donation Chair. All of my extracurricular activities have helped me to learn what it means to be a good teammate and leader.
Which JCU faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
Coach Behrman and Coach James have been the most influential on me during my time at JCU, they have continually encouraged me to stay involved in as many things as I am and have offered support whenever they could. I know that I could come to them if I ever need anything.
Reflecting back on your time at JCU, what advice would you give an incoming freshman?
To embrace the community with open arms and get involved in more than one thing. If you come to John Carroll and all you do is get a degree out of it, I would say that you didn’t get the true Carroll experience.
What do you want to do for a living when you graduate from JCU?
I’m interning at KeyBank right now, but I’m very interested in sales specifically in the technology or medical realm.
TWO MINUTE DRILL
Favorite JCU Football memory?
The Locker Room
Favorite professor?
Dr. Richard Landoll
Favorite Cleveland activity?
Guardians games
Favorite JCU tradition?
Family Weekend
Favorite place on campus?
The Student Center
Any fun facts or any cool experience to include?
I met the VP of Operations at American Airlines through John Carroll and ended up touring the DFW Hub and going to a Cowboys game.
