Oct. 3, 2007

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - USC Upstate junior defender Nick Buxton doesn't try to hide his English heritage. Speaking with a bold British accent, it is clear to see what Buxton likes, and soccer is certainly one of those things. A technical defender, Buxton has started all eight games so far this season and scored one goal on a penalty kick in the home opener Sept. 23 against Georgia State.

Earlier this week, upstatespartans.com's Adam Walker sat down with Buxton to about his home country of England, rugby, and rock band Oasis.

US.com: What was it like growing up in England?
Nick Buxton: I would imagine that its almost the same growing up in England as it is in America. We do the same things like go to high school and hang out with our friends and stuff like that.

US.com: What is one thing that everyone should know about England?
NB: We have a lot of tradition. Obviously, we have the royal family and a lot of history. There are a lot of old buildings there and a lot of culture as well.

US.com: You played rugby, cricket, and tennis as well as soccer at West Hertz. If you weren't playing soccer, which sport could you play at the collegiate level?
NB: Back in the day, I had a tryout for a professional team in rugby, so I probably would have took up rugby if I was not playing soccer.

US.com: Why did you decide to come to Upstate?
NB: I saw it as an opportunity to further my education as well as continue playing soccer.

US.com: Your first career goal was a game-winner last season in a 5-2 win over King. Do you flashback to that moment from time to time?
NB: Obviously, you think about it. It was a great memory and one of my best memories here at Upstate and an experience I'll take with me through the rest of my time here.

US.com: You scored on a penalty kick goal against Georgia State on Sept. 23. Is there a lot of pressure when you are in a penalty kick situation and it's just you one-on-one with the goalkeeper?
NB: It depends on what type of person you are. You have to take be a leader out there, step up, and take it. You just have to do what you have to do and, hopefully, score a goal.

US.com: Your favorite music group is Oasis. Have you ever seen them in concert?
NB: Yes. Actually, the first time I saw them was here in America a couple of years ago in Atlanta. I went down there with a couple of guys from the soccer team. It was a good evening and a great show.

US.com: What is one thing that everyone should know about your head coach, Greg Hooks?
NB: He's a very good golfer and a great leader off the pitch as well.

US.com: You were a Peach Belt Conference Presidential Academic Honor Roll member in 2006-07. How important is education to you?
NB: It's very important. That's one of the reasons why I came over to America to get my degree as well as continue playing soccer.

US.com: What do you like about Upstate the most?
NB: It's a family atmosphere out here. Everyone mixes with people and it's a small, small community. Everyone knows everyone and all the athletes mix with one another, that's why I like it here at Upstate.