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Varsity S Pricer

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Varsity S Club Spotlight: Doug Pricer

Through the Varsity S Club Spotlight we'll re-connect with student-athletes of the past.  This series will illustrate the impact that a Sonoma State University education has on student-athletes and highlights the impact they are now having in their communities.


DOUG PRICER
  • Doug attended Sonoma State University from 1969 to 1971, graduating with a degree in History with a minor in Ethnic Studies.  A member of the school's first football team, Doug has written several books that can be found on Amazon including, "A Candle in the Chapel" and "Never Think About Yesterday..or Worry About Tomorrow, the Life and Times of Gene Benedetti".  Doug and the rest of the 1969 football team were inducted into the SSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.  Click here to see more information.

What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?

Much more than just one. Being with my teammates and friends. The excitement of the games. I had great classes and great teachers. I also met some wonderful people in the community. All of it combined were favorite memories.


How do you think you changed as a person during your time at Sonoma State?

I left home when I was 17, so by the time I arrived after two years of JC (including football) I'd adjusted to being on my own. Some would consider my two years at SSC as tough, but I never did. I worked, played football and went to school. A lot of guys did that, so it wasn't really special. I felt grateful that I had a chance to get an education. I'm proud to have been a college athlete and a graduate at the college level.  


If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?

That's a short question with a longer answer.
 
Let me answer it in three ways … academically, socially, and athletically.
 

Academically:
  • Open your mind and your heart to what you are about to receive.  
  • You are one of the lucky few to attend one of the finest universities in America.
  • It is in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
  • Dr. Judy is one of the most dedicated and student-concerned administrators in the nation. She sincerely wants your time at SSU to be the best of your life!  
  • SSU professors are the most knowledgeable anywhere, and seek to impart to you their brilliance so that you can carry it into your life and share it with others.
  • Earning a degree, here, from these people in this place is the opportunity of a lifetime.
  • Don't screw this up! Embrace it and work hard!   

Socially:
 
  • First starters, be sure you can take care of yourself.
  • You're going to be away from home for the first time in your life. Make sure someone teaches you how to wash your clothes, sew on a button and cook a meal.
  • Bring your manners with you. Hold the door for the ladies and help them with their coats. Like my Irish mother used to say: "Be polite. A man can be poor, but there's no excuse for being common."     
  • You are going to be in a gloriously diverse environment. Reach out to people from every walk of life. Try to learn from everyone you meet. Embrace differences. Never condemn, try to understand.
  • At the same time, stay tough and have the courage of your convictions. Holding true to your values does not include letting anyone shove your around. 

Athletically:
 
  • In college, the sign on the locker room doors reads: Men and Women. It does not read: Boys and Girls. There is a difference. So, get ready.
  • Arrive in shape.
  • Get ready for the speed. This ain't high school, these cats can run!
  • Hustle … always … forever … never stop … move your ass!
  • Understand that college coaches are not your parents or necessarily your friends. They are professionals, not psychologists or baby sitters. They are there to make you better and above all to make you part of a championship team.
  • SSU coaches strive for excellence in everything they do with no apologies. Excellence at this level is winning, and winning means hard work and sacrifice. It's also a hell of a lot of fun!
  • This does not mean you should take any abuse, but don't go to pieces when someone chews your ass.
  • Squeeze every single second of every single day!
  • When you walk on the field, or court, or track, or jump in the pool to compete, take a second to look around and smell the smells. It'll never smell that way in an office building, or for that matter anywhere else. So cherish it my darlings, cherish it dearly.
  • I leave this question with Pricers' four keys to success in sports. My kids can recite these by rote.
    • Play hard!
    • Have fun!
    • Don't back up!
    • Don't back down!

What are you up to these days?

Retired from a long career filled with many experiences … some magic, some tragic.  I spend my time writing a little, enjoying my wife, kids and grandkids and giving thanks each day that I've lived the life I've lived.


How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?

SSC reinforced what I'd been taught all my life.
 
  • Work hard.
  • When life knocks you down, get up!
  • Roll down the windows and let the wind blow through your hair.
  • Love your family.
  • Love your friends.
  • Never take any shit.
  • Fight until the end!

Doug Pricer
Cossack '71


 

ABOUT THE VARSITY S CLUB
The Varsity S Club is an exclusive group of past and present Sonoma State University student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and administrators formed for the purpose of building enthusiasm for Sonoma State University Athletics.  The Varsity S Club does this through a variety of philanthropic, fundraising, and social events designed to strengthen SSU Athletics.  Membership in the Varsity S Club is open to any individual who has competed in varsity athletics at Sonoma State University, as well as any past member of the cheer team, athletic training, or administrative staff.     Sign up here:  Varsity S Club.

See past Varsity S Club Spotlight features here:  Varsity S Club Spotlight Archive.