Wesley senior men's soccer goalkeeper Nick Talarico stands tall in goal in big games for the Wolverines. 

He was seemingly unbeatable in a CAC semifinal playoff game at York during his sophomore year, then may have been the best player on the field in an ECAC Championship game as a junior. 

This week's CAC INTRODUCING ... featured student-athlete hopes to lead Wesley to a great season in 2010.

What is your background in the sport you play?  I played soccer since I was five years old.  I played all through high school as a four-year varsity starter.  I then came to Wesley, where I was able to play another 4 years as a starter on the varsity team. I also played club with the South Jersey Barens.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite place on campus is The Underground, because there is so much to do there (watch movies, play pool, listen to music, play ping pong, etc), and it’s a cool place to hang out with your friends.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in?  I work for Intramurals on campus. The program has really become one of the elite programs on campus since I started working for them too. It’s fun to see how the program is run and how students come together in a competitive form of sport on campus, while still having a good time.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.  During my sophomore year, we played York in the semi-finals of the CAC playoffs and we ended up beating them in PK’s. Individually, it was my best game of my career and as a team, it was a great overall effort.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important issue is finances. College is getting more and more expensive, so sometimes it’s hard for people to get the money to go to school. Even if kids can find the money, students have to be responsible and learn how to budget.        

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?  I would change how everything is so expensive. It is hard enough to make a good living nowadays, and it would be so much easier if things were cheaper.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  My major in college is sports management. I’ve learned that there is so much involved in running a successful team or facility then I originally expected. There is a lot more time and effort in making a project work; there is also a lot of dependence on your co-workers. This also applies to me as a goalkeeper in soccer, depending on my teammates.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   My friends, without a doubt, are the most important people in my life.  They have made me who I am today and as far as athletics, they have pushed me to work hard and always do my best.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   My advice would be to always listen to your parents. You might not think they’re right at the time, but later on, you’ll realize they are the most influential people in your life.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is music. I listen to music before games, when I’m bored, or even just hanging out with friends. Music has just been a huge part of my life.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  I am a huge Boston Red Sox fan. They were our team name on my first tee-ball team and they have been my favorite team ever since then.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    I’d like to have dinner with actor Dwight Schrute (The Office), Eddie Van Halen, and U.S. World Cup team goalie Tim Howard. The Office is one of my favorite shows, Schrute is hilarious! Van Halen… well, it’s Van Halen, need I say more? Tim Howard is a famous American soccer goalie that I idolize.