Sports Q & A

Slidell senior defensive back and track athlete Alvin McKinnis has been described by his coaches as a complete football player. On the year, McKinnis has recorded 32 tackles with nine assists, while deflecting five passes, forcing a fumble and recovering one.

This season he has led his team to a 3-2 District 7-5A record as it makes a push down the home stretch for a playoff birth. SHS shutout Fontainebleau, 21-0, Friday night for its second consecutive win.

Alvin McKinnis

During the off-season, he won the "Iron Tiger" award, which tests strength, speed and agility.

SHS coach Artie Liuzza said he's lucky to have a player like McKinnis.

"Alvin's the kind of kid you want to build your football program around," Liuzza said. "He's a great student. He's reliable, and he hasn't missed a practice or weight lift in four years."

When McKinnis is competing in track. Last season, he won the District 4-5A triple jump (42-01.50).

What do you enjoy most about playing your sports? I like competing, and it's just fun to go out there. I don't think about anything when I'm playing, I just react.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? You have to be a role model. You can't do anything bad because you always have somebody looking up to you.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? Yes, because you can't goof around with the underclassmen, and other people looking up to you.

Most memorable game/accomplishment or situation in sports? When we played Hammond my sophomore year, they had a big running back and we got him to fumble on the 1-yard line, and we wound up winning the game, 14-6.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? My parents (Alvin and Debbie McKinnis) because they've always told me "don't quit" on anything that I do.

Who is your favorite athlete? Atlanta Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

Favorite team? Baltimore Ravens.

What is your favorite subject in school? I enjoy piano class because it's a fun class, and I'm learning new things.

Plans after high school/college major? I'm thinking about majoring in accounting. I'm looking at attending University of Louisiana Lafayette, University of Louisiana Monroe or Grambling State.

Favorite sports movie/TV show/actor/actress? "Remember the Titans," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," Denzel Washington and Halle Barry.

Favorite type of music? R&B.

Favorite food dish? Fried chicken.

Best vacation? I went to Disneyworld with my family when I was 12. I went with my two aunts, my uncle, my cousin and my sister. It was real expensive, but we had a good time.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? I like the people and how everything's pretty close.

Hobbies/interests/volunteering: I like working out, playing games and watching TV.

I volunteer at Guardian Angels Daycare in Slidell.

Parents: Alvin and Debbie McKinnis of Slidell.