Three-sport senior star enjoys the camaraderie
BROOKFIELD – Patrick Cartier is a man for all seasons.
The Brookfield East senior is a threesport athlete who currently is the go-to player for a Spartans basketball team that ranks as one of the state’s best. The team, which is ranked fourth in the area by the Journal Sentinel, entered play Tuesday with an 18-1 record overall. Their 12-1 Greater Metro Conference mark gave it a share of the league lead with Brookfield Central.
A conference title in hoops would add to Cartier’s already impressive resume.
An imposing target at 6-foot-8, 215 pounds, he was the leading receiver for the football team for the past two seasons.
As a junior, he caught a touchdown pass in the Spartans’ victory over Monona Grove in the Division 2 state championship game.
In basketball, he was a first-team allconference selection last season. This year he has been a force inside, averaging 20.8 points per game.
Cartier, who also runs the hurdles during track season, gave us a couple of minutes to talk about, among other things, being a three-sport athlete and the benefit of having his twin brother, Everett, on the team.
Q. You compete in football, basketball and track and field. What are the benefits of being a three-sport athlete?
A. You get really close with all your teammates. The coaches we have here at Brookfield East, I think are the best in the state. (I also think) the culture we’ve developed here is one of the best in the state, so it’s really fun being in a school that is excited about sports. And being with your friends competing is awesome.
Q. What is the greatest experience you’ve had in sports?
A. I’d definitely say the state championship my junior year. That was the coolest thing, especially because we'd never won one here. It’s pretty special.
Q. You’ll play basketball rather than football in college. Why did you chose that sport?
A. I’ve always had a love for both sports, but I’ve always had more of a passion for basketball. I just enjoy it a little more and think I’m a little better at basketball than I am at football. I just enjoy it a little more. I’m really looking forward to Hillsdale next year. It’s going to be fun.
Q. Your twin brother, Everett, is also part of the football, basketball and track and field teams. What is the best part about having him going through this experience with you?
A. It’s pretty awesome. He’s probably more of a football guy than I am, but it’s definitely awesome having another guy who has the same mindset as you and has been through all the same experiences through middle school and stuff. He’s a great leader and he pushes guys every day just like I try to do. I’d say we work off each other really well in terms of leadership and stuff like that.
Q. How do you think athletics have benefited you?
A. I think it’s been awesome. Obviously teaching me the life skills of working hard and you get what you work for.