BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next alum in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Series is former football student-athlete Charlie Heidecker from the Class of 1974. Heidecker was named to the All-Middle Atlantic Conference First Team as an offensive lineman in 1973, and he also came back to serve as an assistant coach for the Greyhounds.
Charlie Heidecker
Class: 1974
How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? I have always loved sports and enjoyed playing organized sports ever since my brother signed me up for Little League when I was still a year too young to join. I played football, wrestling and track in high school. From the first football game I ever saw, though, I wanted to play it when I became old enough.
Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? Moravian was the right size for me with the opportunities that I wanted. Also, the people I spoke with from the College were always very down-to-earth and positive. They made me feel that I would be a "Hound" from Day 1. At Moravian, everyone talked about what I would do in college. It made me feel that the college was interested in helping me reach my goals.
What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? The leadership that I was exposed to in the classroom and on the athletic field made me know that I wanted to be one of those people who has a positive impact on young peoples' lives. As I progressed at Moravian, I became more sold on becoming a teacher and a coach. I do not regret that decision one bit, ever. I chalk it up to exceptional role models who taught people not just content.
How did you get into your current occupation? I was very fortunate to have a rewarding career as a teacher and coach. Oddly enough, I was a business major at Moravian. After graduation, Moravian was instrumental in helping me get a job in business. As I have already said, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and coach. So, after two years at a very good job, I left to go back to school to earn my teacher certification at a time when the job market was loaded with teachers. By this time, I was already married, and I knew it was a risk to leave work with no promise of employment. I was able to complete some of my requirements at Moravian as well as other Lehigh Valley colleges. Then, in late spring, as I was finishing my certification and not a single interview lined up, I was lucky enough to run into Ed Little, my position coach at Moravian. I asked him whether he heard of any high schools on his recruiting travels who needed an English or Social Studies teacher. He said he did hear of a school in New Jersey where there might be a job opening. He gave me the contact information. That led to 40+ great years at North Hunterdon HS in Annandale, NJ.
What was your favorite place on campus? Having played and coached at Moravian it is easy to say Steel Field. I have to be honest when I say that walking onto that field 50 years after I first played at Moravian makes me feel so much pride for the players and coaches with whom I shared any time there. Today, when I step out onto Steel Field to congratulate our coaches or players after a game, I feel like I am walking on a piece of land that is to be honored and cherished for all those who have found so much in the lifelong friendships and lessons nurtured there. Beyond the obvious, I have great memories of getting together with friends in the HUB and working with classmates in Reeves Library.
What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? I have had many memorable moments at Moravian. Actually, I have two moments, though, that I think are very special for the College and for me. I am fortunate to have played on the 1970 MAC Championship team coached by Rocco Calvo. Later, I was an assistant coach at Moravian in 1988 under Scot Dapp when we won the MAC title again. Interestingly, I share those same two events with Gary Martell, who continues to serve as a Hounds assistant coach on Jeff Pukszyn's staff.
What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? I would tell prospective student/athletes that they will be challenged in the classroom and on the playing field at Moravian. They should do the very best they can in both of those endeavors but find time and energy to explore other activities Moravian has to offer outside their comfort zone. College years go by so fast and they shouldn't miss a minute. After all, college is such a great chance to live, work and play with so many people of roughly the same age. Moravian is a diverse college with interesting and rewarding activities. Check out some of those choices. It might seem like it is a lot to ask to do your very best in class, in your sport and still find time to investigate some things new. Remember, college is a full-time job preparing you for what comes next in your life. You'll want to be as well-equipped as you can be.
What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? Needless to say, that things are much different today in the job market than they were fifty years ago. That being said, nearly everyone who has found fulfillment in their lives has experienced some rough times too. There are some things about gaining that first experience after college, though, that stay the same. I would tell a person to consider these four behaviors as a cornerstone of any working relationship: to demonstrate integrity, to possess a strong will to work, to show a willingness to learn and grow and to develop and use excellent communication skills.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given? It may sound so obvious, but I remember being told that if someone asks you for help and it is within your reasonable capabilities to give them that help, do it. Not only will they be better for your help, but you will feel that no matter what else you accomplished that day, you made a positive impact on another's life.
Who are your role models/most influential people? There is no way I could respond to any question about role models in my life without leading off with my brother. He is five years older than I and has been my role model for as long as I can remember. I grew up listening to his music, hanging around with him and his friends and wearing clothes he handed down to me. More than that, I've always admired my brother's ability to make the best out of every situation. I've never seen him rattled or without a creative way of attacking a problem. Also, so many of my teachers and coaches have lent a piece of themselves to me that I was able to take with me into my teaching/coaching career. Among those who were most influential and for whom I am very grateful are: Rocco Calvo, Scot Dapp, Ed Little and Fritz Halfacre.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? I would love to share a meal with my dad and my maternal grandparents. All are no longer here but their influence upon me has been great. My dad always demonstrated great patience and strength of character. My grandfather was a simple man who believed that I must expect to work for everything I get. My grandmother showed me the power of compassion, generosity and kindness.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I would prefer a couple of well-dressed hot dogs to a filet mignon. Don't get me wrong, I would love a filet mignon. I just love the hot dogs more.
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite Food – Hot dog
Favorite Restaurant – Marblehead Chowder House
Favorite Movie – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Favorite TV Show – Classic comedies like Seinfeld, Big Bang Theory, The Honeymooners
Favorite Musical Artist – The Four Tops
Favorite Athlete – Andrew McCutchen, TJ Watt
Favorite Pro Team – Steelers/Pirates
Hobbies – Biking, Golf, Reading and spending time with my dog, Gilligan
Most Prized Possession – Moravian College class ring
Ideal Travel Destination – Some place warm to ride my bike and golf in the winter
Your Spirit Animal – Dog (Greyhound)
Superpower you'd Like to Have – To be able to eat whatever I want and not gain a pound
