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SPORTS
Whaley shows determination, confidence in recent interview
CINCINNATI -- If you are tired of hearing about Tyler Whaley, you're reading the wrong article.
Whaley, Ironton's version of Rocky Balboa, recently received rave reviews from Cincinnati Bengals fans for his demeanor during a radio interview with WCKY of Cincinnati and sports deejay, Alan Cutler. Those who called into the Bengals' flagship station following Whaley's interview glowed almost as brightly as Cutler about the former Ironton and Ohio State football standout.
Whaley is currently attempting to make the cut as a fullback for the Bengals. Following an improbable rise to notability as a walk-on for the Buckeyes, this all-American dreamer is proving to everyone that self-confidence is the key to success in life.
Like Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, he has passion. But, Whaley's passion has distanced him from the Notre Dame icon. Whaley forced himself into a major role on a team that advanced to the last two national championship games. As a fullback, he was a major contributor in OSU's success on the gridiron last season.
Rudy's is a great story, but this one might be better.
Cutler repeatedly noted that he was rooting for Whaley to make the Bengals roster.
"He's a great kid," he said emphatically on numerous occasions, adding at one point, "That young man can change people's lives."
Indeed, Whaley's determination to succeed has created a major buzz in Ironton, as well as in Columbus. Cutler asked Whaley about the impact his fortitude has had on those from his hometown.
"I believe it's meant a lot to them," Whaley said. "I took it upon myself to put the name of Ironton on my back and go (to Ohio State) and do the right things. I continue to try to do that to make a good name for the community. I want to make sure Ironton has a good name when it's all said and done."
The interview covered Whaley's rise from a walk-on to his role as a fullback on the Buckeyes' 2007 national championship runner-up team and his desire to play for his favorite NFL team, the Cincinnati Bengals. Cutler also noted the book Columbus Dispatch sports writer Ken Gordon has written about Whaley's life.
That book, "Buckeye Dreams: The Tyler 'Tank' Whaley Story," was set to be released in August. But then, Whaley added to his impressive story by being invited to play for the Bengals, forcing Gordon to add another chapter. The book should be available by September.
A considerable amount of time during Cutler's interview was also spent on Whaley's proposal of marriage to his girlfriend, Brittany Benjamin, at mid-field in Ohio Stadium last year.
But the most impressive portion of the interview was the influx of raves Cutler received afterward from callers.
"That interview was the best I've ever heard you do" one caller said to Cutler. "I'm not really a huge Bengals fan, but I'm gonna follow the Bengals more this year just to follow that kid."
Another caller added that Whaley's personality is a much-needed boost to an ego-centered planet.
"What a refreshing young man," the caller said. "This world, as well as the sports world, needs more people like him."
Cutler was in total agreement, stating that he rooted for individuals instead of specific teams. In his final words to Whaley, he said, "I am absolutely, unequivocally rooting for you to make it. Anybody who doesn't -- there's something wrong with them."
Tyler Whaley is making positive impressions among people who don't even know him personally. That is what being a role model is all about. As Cutler mentioned, he does have the ability to alter lives simply by showing others that nothing is impossible.
Saturday, Whaley will be in attendance at the Ironton St. Joe Charity Fair, at St. Joe High School. He will sign autographs from 7 to 9 p.m. Autograph seekers are encouraged to bring something for him to sign.
To listen to Whaley's interview with Cutler, visit http://www.1530homer.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=alancutler.xml.
