With the cancellation of all spring sports due to COVID-19, we have decided to introduce a new weekly feature called "Behind the Student-Athlete" that allows our readers to get to know our Cobleskill student-athletes. This week is featuring Jacob Bunker of men's soccer.
Jacob Bunker just concluded his junior year at SUNY Cobleskill. He is a member of the men's soccer team, serving as their starting left defender for the past three years and one of their team captains for the past two years. Besides being a key member of the men's soccer team during his time at Cobleskill, he also majors in the college's pre-vet animal science program. He has been honored as a North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Scholar-Athlete while enrolled in one of the most difficult and demanding programs at Cobleskill.
As a member of the men's soccer team, he has played in 54 games and started in 50 of those games. During the 2019 season, he played a key part in the defensive line that allowed a program best 1.4 goals per game and hosted their first ever NEAC playoff game with the best record in program history. During his three years, he played a vital role on the only two teams in men's soccer history to make the NEAC playoffs. Besides his soccer accomplishments, he is also a member of the student athlete advisory committee (SAAC) and the pre-vet club.
Get to know Jacob Bunker!
When did you start playing soccer and what other sports were you interested in?
I started playing soccer when I was 5ish years old, and I have been playing year-round since then. Other sports I play are tennis and track and field, specifically long jump and 4x100 relay.
Could you tell us a little bit about where you are from?
I am from Broadalbin, NY. It is a small town about an hour north of Cobleskill. There's not a whole lot to do besides hunting, playing soccer, and working on the farm.
What's your major and why did you choose that major?
My major is animal science. I chose this major because I would like to go to veterinary school. Cobleskill has a great pre vet program and I have learned a lot.
Why did you pick Cobleskill?
I picked Cobleskill for 3 main reasons. The pre vet animal science major is amazing. I was given a chance to be a college athlete and be successful on the field. And it is the perfect distance from home. Not so close I have to see my family every day, but close enough I can go home if I need a break from campus.
What's your favorite memory as a Fighting Tiger?
My favorite memory is when we beat Penn State Harrisburg, who was the top team of the league, and partied the whole bus ride home.
Favorite place to eat in Cobleskill?
Cobys cafe, they have the best quesadillas.
Who has been the most influential coach in your athletic journey?
Steve Freeman, he is the head coach of the Blackwatch soccer club in Albany. He has an amazing background in soccer and knows how to train young players to be great.
Who's the funniest teammate you've been around?
Bouba. He always says something dumb to me just to get me riled up, but it always hilarious and makes me crack up laughing.
What tips do you have to staying healthy and active at home?
Keep going outside for fresh air and do something. It doesn't matter if you go a walk or lay in the grass or ride your dirt bike around. Just get outside and keep yourself busy.
Favorite position to play in soccer and why?
Left wing. Every time I play in this position, I make a difference on the field and have a lot of opportunities to run down the line for crosses and shots.
What do you plan on doing during your summer?
Working on the family farm. It is not easy or fun work, but someone has to do it to keep food flowing in the world.
In a world where money doesn't exist, what's your dream job?
Veterinarian. Animals always make me feel better, no matter how or when I see them. I have always wanted to help animals feel the same way they make me feel everyday, happy and healthy.
If you could have any superpower, what would you want, and why?
Teleportation. I like to run and be active, but I despise walking to get somewhere. This sounds like the laziest thing ever, but I just want to be places when I need to be without any travel time to worry about.
If you could choose any three famous people, dead or alive, to have dinner with who would they be?
Johnny Cash, Jon Pardi, Jim Carrey.
Could you name three things on your bucket list?
I haven't made a bucket list yet, but one thing would be to have a huge litter of puppies lick my face.
Would you rather be able to speak to animals or be fluent in every language?
Speak to animals, hand down. It would make life so much easier for having pets, and I could handle them all talking at the same time.
The Zombie Apocalypse is coming. Who are 3 people you want on your team?
Greg House MD, Rambo, Bobby Flay.
If you could live in any TV show, which one would it be?
House MD
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
Australia, I want to go to the outback and live in the wilderness for a short time, just to see if everything actually tried to eat me.
Hulu, Netflix or Disney + ? and what shows have your binge watched this quarantine?
Hulu. Succession. It is a very messed up show about a business family that has very bad morals, but it has very funny moments.
