Andrew “Scooter” Molander attended Phoenix College from 1985 to 1986. As the quarterback of the Bears, he led them to a 2nd place national ranking in 1985 and a 6th place ranking in 1986. In 1986, Scooter was named to the 1st Team All-ACCAC and was named Honorable mention All-American. Scooter is currently the Head Football Coach at Brophy College Prep in Phoenix, Arizona. In 11 years as head football coach at Brophy, Scooter has had 101 wins under his belt and the team has won at least one playoff game for 11 straight years.
Why did you choose to go to Phoenix College? Did anyone inspire you?
In 1985 PC Head Football Coach Ken Stites recruited me to go to PC. Kenny has the best record of any PC Coach of all time. A great Man who could motivate and inspire all who were lucky enough to be around him. I looked and toured the other JC's in the valley, but PC was by far the best and easy choice for me. I loved the REAL College Campus feel—and do so to this day as I ride my bike through campus on the weekends. PC has a spiritual undertone for me. I feel at peace there.
Do you have a story to share about a favorite professor or a special memory of your time on campus?
I was a lazy student for most of my academic career. I took Philosophy from Dr. Sullivan who was amazing. He pulled me aside one day and said, "I understand you are the QB here at PC". Yes Sir. "I also understand you are pretty good". Thank you Sir. "You know you don't have to be a dumb Jock your whole life." I was floored but he spent the next 20 minutes telling me his life story of how he was a lazy Jock at one time. I earned an A in the Class and it was a pivotal and changing moment for me.
How did your education at PC help prepare you for what you are doing today?
The various classes, again while I am ashamed that I did not take full advantage of the academic opportunities, opened my eyes to the world around me. Classes such as Anthropology, Sociology, Astronomy, and Art all expanded my mindset to look outside the box. I intend to be a life-long learner and PC was the impetus. Even though the Motto of PC was not it yet, I really Did Go Far—Close to Home.
What advice do you have for PC alumni and students interested in pursuing your profession?
Coaching Football or any other sport really is teaching. It is not what we know as educators or coaches, rather, it is what we can teach and instill into others that matters. We must think of what it would be like to be coached by us, look in the mirror, do you want to play for you? If the answer is not an emphatic yes, then you have some soul searching to do. Be willing to constantly learn, and then when the games come, then it is time to completely trust yourself and your players.
What is the single most important networking tip you can share with graduating PC students and job-seeking alumni?
Say Thank You. Be on time—no one cares why you are late. If you say you are going to follow up on something by say Monday—have it to them on Monday. Be sincere with good intentions and positive Karma will follow you.