Spring Break
Rams goalkeeper makes transition to US lifestyle
Matt Swiss
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Sports
10/23/08 - When junior goalkeeper Chris Pennock was given the opportunity to travel from his home in England to the United States, he never faced even a moment of hesitation. Upon arrival, he encountered a new and improved lifestyle that he said he would not trade for anything.
"It is a huge opportunity," Pennock said. "It is a lot different. It is just a better lifestyle overall."
In addition, Pennock noted the great change in culture.
"There is a huge, huge change in culture from back home in England," Pennock said. "It is not as hectic here as it is back home."
Despite his incredible athleticism, Pennock feels that he is no different than any other URI fan.
"I'm just a regular person," Pennock added. "There's nothing special about me, really."
Whether different or alike, the Rhody faithful are happy to have the England native. It did not take much to convince Pennock that URI was right for him.
"I talked to the coach," Pennock said. "I got to know the coach very well. I also got to talk to some of my teammates who were already on the team back then and they seemed to be nice lads so I guess it was just a combination of them two."
Pennock said he has yet to come across many similarities between the American lifestyle and England's way of life, but he has noticed slight differences, particularly on campus.
"It is a lot different just basically walking around the campus," Pennock said. "In England, most universities and colleges are situated within cities. In England you can walk to different places and you don't need to drive everywhere. It is a lot busier and closer in England. It is not as spread out as it is over here." Pennock also mentioned college soccer is a more popular here than it is in England.
When asked of any regrets about leaving his home country, Pennock was very direct in his answer.
"No! Not at all. No! I've loved every minute of it," Pennock said.
"It is a huge opportunity," Pennock said. "It is a lot different. It is just a better lifestyle overall."
In addition, Pennock noted the great change in culture.
"There is a huge, huge change in culture from back home in England," Pennock said. "It is not as hectic here as it is back home."
Despite his incredible athleticism, Pennock feels that he is no different than any other URI fan.
"I'm just a regular person," Pennock added. "There's nothing special about me, really."
Whether different or alike, the Rhody faithful are happy to have the England native. It did not take much to convince Pennock that URI was right for him.
"I talked to the coach," Pennock said. "I got to know the coach very well. I also got to talk to some of my teammates who were already on the team back then and they seemed to be nice lads so I guess it was just a combination of them two."
Pennock said he has yet to come across many similarities between the American lifestyle and England's way of life, but he has noticed slight differences, particularly on campus.
"It is a lot different just basically walking around the campus," Pennock said. "In England, most universities and colleges are situated within cities. In England you can walk to different places and you don't need to drive everywhere. It is a lot busier and closer in England. It is not as spread out as it is over here." Pennock also mentioned college soccer is a more popular here than it is in England.
When asked of any regrets about leaving his home country, Pennock was very direct in his answer.
"No! Not at all. No! I've loved every minute of it," Pennock said.
