by Will Stafford
LSU Sports Information
Growing up as a kid outside the city of Chicago, Paul Wolfert dreamed of playing college basketball at LSU.
At a time when many of his friends grew up idolizing the likes of Michael Jordan and the rest of the Chicago Bulls, this son of a Tiger envisioned himself running onto the floor of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in an LSU uniform.
“When I was 10 years old shooting baskets in the driveway, in my head I was thinking I’m going through lay up lines in an LSU uniform,” Wolfert said. “When the opportunity came up and I had a chance to come down here it was like realizing a dream.”
This dream was formed at an early age. Wolfert’s father, Rick, played for three seasons under Dale Brown from 1972-1975 and met his mother while attending LSU.
The two have supported their son throughout his life and making a decision about what college to attend was no different.
“They were supportive regardless of what I decided to do like every parent should,” Wolfert said. “They didn’t really have to encourage me or give me that much support to come down here, but knowing that they were going to support me regardless of whether I came here or not was special to me.”
Wolfert often turns to his father for guidance and direction in his life. He believes his father has had the greatest influence in his development as a player and person.
“For as much as he’s helped me basketball wise, he’s taught me many more things off the court as far as how to approach life, how to be a good man and go about things the right way,” Wolfert said. “I think, for better or for worse, the way I am today is because of him. I can’t thank him enough for that.”
One of the most important lessons Wolfert has learned from his father is the value of hard work and determination. After arriving in Baton Rouge as an invited walk-on prior to the 2001-02 season, Wolfert knew he would have to work for every opportunity to display his talents on the court.
“Coming in as an invited walk-on, you know what your role is. You’re not coming in to be a contributor right away,” Wolfert said. “Coach (John) Brady said that I was going to have to earn everything I got — earn the right to travel, earn the right to get any playing time. I’d have it no other way. I never wanted anything to be given to me.”
Wolfert has appeared in 19 games during his LSU career, including 10 this season, but it is off the court where his experience and leadership benefits the Baton Rouge community the most. He is an active participant in the Shaquille O’Neal CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success)/Life Skills Program and serves as vice president of the Student Athletes Advisory Board.
He has been actively involved in speaking with local elementary school children about the importance of education, organizing the annual student athletes’ “Halloween Boozar” for kids and singing carols to children at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center during the Christmas season.
Jefferson Pilot Sports recognized Wolfert as the SEC Good Works Team Player of the Week on Feb. 14 for his extensive community service work in and around the Baton Rouge area.
“I really love doing community service,” Wolfert said. “I want to try to set a good example for the youth of Baton Rouge. Being able to help people like that is really important to me.”
Wolfert’s off-the-court success extends into the classroom, where he maintains a 3.3 cumulative grade-point average as a finance major. Conference officials named Wolfert to the 2004 SEC Academic Honor Roll for his efforts.
He believes that much of his academic success is a result of the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes. It provides features such as computer labs, tutoring services and study areas for all athletes to ensure they become champions in the classroom in addition to the playing field.
“I’ve got to believe that we’ve got the best academic center in the country,” Wolfert said. “With the tutors and support staff they have there, there is no reason why any student-athlete should not be able to complete their degree here. LSU has really prepared me well for my life after college.”
That life begins for Wolfert when he graduates in May. Although he is only a junior on the basketball court, he plans to forego his final year of eligibility to begin a career outside of basketball.
“I’m interested in real estate finance and things of that nature,” Wolfert said. “I’m going to try to get back to Chicago in the Midwest where I’m from, and if not I’ll take the best opportunity down here.”
Despite the fact that his dream of playing basketball at LSU is over at season’s end, Wolfert said he is excited about his final game in the PMAC on Saturday when the Tigers battle the Vanderbilt Commodores on Senior Day.
“It’s going to be that much more special now that we’re going to be playing for the SEC West crown,” Wolfert said. “It also being Senior Day is going to make it that much more special. I’m sure I’ll have goose bumps. Hopefully I won’t get too emotional, but I’m going to be excited to play.
“I’m sad that after four years of going on the court for warm ups, going through the games and seeing the fans and student section I know that it’s my last time to be able to do that,” Wolfert said. “It’s also exciting to know that I’ve stuck with it for four years. I’ve had a great time and it’s kind of a culmination of all the great things that have happened here in the last four years for me.”