John Latting '06
Wildcats Forever: John Latting
7/1/2011 10:00:49 AM | Men's Soccer
Previous Features
With 10 seasons in the history books for Davidson men's soccer head coach Matt Spear, DavidsonWildcats.com got in touch with a senior from each of his 10 teams to discuss their memories of Davidson and see where they are now.
Starting with 2001 and concluding with 2010, DavidsonWildcats.com will post a Q & A with an alumnus every Friday. This week's feature is John Latting.
John Latting (2002-2005) became Davidson soccer's fourth different All-American in program history following his senior year, and was a two-time (2003, 2005) All-South Region and a three-time (2003-05) first-team All-Southern Conference selection. One of the Wildcats' pillars on defense, he was also named to the SoCon All-Tournament team following his sophomore season as the 'Cats won the SoCon title. Latting was a four-year starter, appearing in 85 games with 84 starts, and served as a co-captain his senior year.
Q: Why and how did you choose Davidson?
A: I found out about Davidson because the school sent me an academic brochure. I sent coach Spear a letter and Todd Herman, one of the assistant coaches, came out to watch me play. After that, I planned a visit to the school and we went from there. What really put Davidson at the top of my list was the fact that I could go to a highly regarded academic institution and compete with some of the best students in the nation in the classroom while competing with some of the best athletes in the nation on the soccer field. All the other schools recruiting me encouraged me not to major in biology because of the time commitment but coach Spear embraced it. He assured me I would be a student first and an athlete second.
Q: You were apart of Coach Spear's first recruiting class, do you remember the first time you met him? What was your first impression?
A: The first time I met coach Spear was in Baker Sports Arena. I was visiting some schools in the area with my father. The whole process was very new to me so I was more worried about making a good impression than anything. Matt was very professional. He's a classy guy and he really made me feel at ease. The most important thing he did for me was to assure me that we weren't having an interview. We were getting to know each other more than anything.
Q: How thrilling was it to win the SoCon Championship and go to the NCAA tournament in 2003?
A: It was an amazing experience! That was a special team we had that year. I think we could have competed with anyone in the nation. Everyone knew their role and we were all very close. It was a special year. It's one of those things you look back at and realize how blessed you were to be apart of it.
Q: What were some of your favorite memories from your Davidson Soccer days?
A: Away games and our trips to Las Vegas, California, and Spain. I had so many great experiences and most importantly, I was able to do it all with 30 of my best friends.
Q: What were your favorite memories off the field?
A: Spending time with my teammates. We did everything together. It was like having a second family.
Q: What was your major and how did the academic and athletic experience help you moving forward?
A: I majored in biology. In many ways my academic experience today is an extension of my past athletic experiences. Playing soccer taught me how to compete every day. It showed me how to push through adversity to reach my limits and to push them even further.
Q: Where are you now, and what are you doing now?
A: I am finishing my second year of medical school at Columbia, in New York.
Q: What are some tips you would have for current recruits considering Davidson?
A: Davidson allows you to develop every part of yourself. You don't just become a great student or a great athlete. You leave with the tools to be a great person and the ability to make the people around you better.
Q: What advice would you pass along to current Davidson players?
A: Appreciate the time you have as a Division I athlete. You will never have this opportunity again.
Q: What do you miss the most now from playing soccer at Davidson?
A: I miss the competition. I miss the thrill of pushing yourself for 90 minutes and coming out on top.
Q: How often have you been able to return to Davidson to catch a game?
A: I have come back for two games. My schedule hasn't allowed me to see more but it's a bit tough to sit in the stands after giving so much effort on the field. You feel a bit helpless.
Q: Any favorite “Coach Spear-isms” you want to share?
A: I can't think of anything. Spear is just a class act. He's great with people and he has a passion for drawing the best out of every situation.
With 10 seasons in the history books for Davidson men's soccer head coach Matt Spear, DavidsonWildcats.com got in touch with a senior from each of his 10 teams to discuss their memories of Davidson and see where they are now.
Starting with 2001 and concluding with 2010, DavidsonWildcats.com will post a Q & A with an alumnus every Friday. This week's feature is John Latting.
John Latting (2002-2005) became Davidson soccer's fourth different All-American in program history following his senior year, and was a two-time (2003, 2005) All-South Region and a three-time (2003-05) first-team All-Southern Conference selection. One of the Wildcats' pillars on defense, he was also named to the SoCon All-Tournament team following his sophomore season as the 'Cats won the SoCon title. Latting was a four-year starter, appearing in 85 games with 84 starts, and served as a co-captain his senior year.
Q: Why and how did you choose Davidson?
A: I found out about Davidson because the school sent me an academic brochure. I sent coach Spear a letter and Todd Herman, one of the assistant coaches, came out to watch me play. After that, I planned a visit to the school and we went from there. What really put Davidson at the top of my list was the fact that I could go to a highly regarded academic institution and compete with some of the best students in the nation in the classroom while competing with some of the best athletes in the nation on the soccer field. All the other schools recruiting me encouraged me not to major in biology because of the time commitment but coach Spear embraced it. He assured me I would be a student first and an athlete second.
Q: You were apart of Coach Spear's first recruiting class, do you remember the first time you met him? What was your first impression?
A: The first time I met coach Spear was in Baker Sports Arena. I was visiting some schools in the area with my father. The whole process was very new to me so I was more worried about making a good impression than anything. Matt was very professional. He's a classy guy and he really made me feel at ease. The most important thing he did for me was to assure me that we weren't having an interview. We were getting to know each other more than anything.
Q: How thrilling was it to win the SoCon Championship and go to the NCAA tournament in 2003?
A: It was an amazing experience! That was a special team we had that year. I think we could have competed with anyone in the nation. Everyone knew their role and we were all very close. It was a special year. It's one of those things you look back at and realize how blessed you were to be apart of it.
Q: What were some of your favorite memories from your Davidson Soccer days?
A: Away games and our trips to Las Vegas, California, and Spain. I had so many great experiences and most importantly, I was able to do it all with 30 of my best friends.
Q: What were your favorite memories off the field?
A: Spending time with my teammates. We did everything together. It was like having a second family.
Q: What was your major and how did the academic and athletic experience help you moving forward?
A: I majored in biology. In many ways my academic experience today is an extension of my past athletic experiences. Playing soccer taught me how to compete every day. It showed me how to push through adversity to reach my limits and to push them even further.
Q: Where are you now, and what are you doing now?
A: I am finishing my second year of medical school at Columbia, in New York.
Q: What are some tips you would have for current recruits considering Davidson?
A: Davidson allows you to develop every part of yourself. You don't just become a great student or a great athlete. You leave with the tools to be a great person and the ability to make the people around you better.
Q: What advice would you pass along to current Davidson players?
A: Appreciate the time you have as a Division I athlete. You will never have this opportunity again.
Q: What do you miss the most now from playing soccer at Davidson?
A: I miss the competition. I miss the thrill of pushing yourself for 90 minutes and coming out on top.
Q: How often have you been able to return to Davidson to catch a game?
A: I have come back for two games. My schedule hasn't allowed me to see more but it's a bit tough to sit in the stands after giving so much effort on the field. You feel a bit helpless.
Q: Any favorite “Coach Spear-isms” you want to share?
A: I can't think of anything. Spear is just a class act. He's great with people and he has a passion for drawing the best out of every situation.
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