Beyond The Trophy: Meet Eastern Illinois Chapter President and defensive lineman Tim Varga

Each week during the college football season we will feature a player who is an officer for an Uplifting Athletes Chapter for our Beyond the Trophy series.

Get To Know Tim Varga from Eastern Illinois: The fourth-year defensive lineman has been a rock up front for the Panthers since he arrived on campus in 2019 and played all 11 games his first year. … Tim has played 34 games for EIU, eclipsed 100 tackles, has 13.5 tackles for a loss and six career sacks. In 2021 Tim stepped into a leadership role for the EIU Chapter to inspire hope in those impacted by rare diseases. Tim has attended two Leadership Development conferences and the 2022 Young Investigator Draft celebration, played an instrumental role in EIU holding a Lift For Life each of the past two offseasons and also helped expand the EIU Chapter into women’s sports on campus.

What is your most memorable experience as a college athlete?

VARGA: The connections and bonds I made through the years.

What drove you to get involved with Uplifting Athletes?

VARGA: My roommate was the Chapter President so he just passed it down to me. What I have since learned is that Uplifting Athletes can help so many people.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?

VARGA: I was born super premature at only six months and 10 days.

What is the one piece of advice you would give a high school player with aspirations to play college sports?

VARGA: Work ethic is something so valuable to have to separate yourself.

If you could play another sport, what would it be and why?

VARGA: I would say golf. I fell in love with the game because I love how challenging it is and how much patience it takes to get good. Plus, it’s easy on the body.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

VARGA: JJ Watt. I lived in Houston for a while and he was the coolest guy to me growing up because he plays my position and he is also an animal at defensive end.

HOT SEAT QUESTIONS

Favorite sports team (any sport)?

VARGA: Houston Texans

What is your perfect pizza? 

VARGA: Supreme

What is your go-to fast food restaurant?

VARGA: Whataburger

What interests or hobbies do you have outside of sports?

VARGA: Golf