1. Give us
a brief background of yourself-where you are from, where you went to school,
etc.
I'm from Lima, Ohio,
and enjoyed my college experience at WSU from 1998 to 2003. I am from a working-class family and with
that work ethic, I have been able to be successful in the business and tennis
world.
2. Talk
about why you are in coaching, who gave you a start or inspiration?
Coach Mac asked me to
be his assistant and I declined but, after much talk with my wife, I decided it
was the time to get into coaching. It
wasn't until I started coaching that I realized I had a real knack for coaching
kids and improving young players. In
many ways, it was refreshing knowing that I could have a life outside of just
playing tennis, but that I could also coach the sport I love. Coach Mac noticed something in me that I had
not known, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with the teams.
3. Talk
about your coaching philosophy?
I demand a lot. Both
Coach Mac and I work really hard and when my kids come to practice I expect an
all-out effort each day; no excuses just go 100%. If they live by the example, I try to
demonstrate and work conscientiously with us on their games we will all have a
positive experience.
4. Why
should a recruit look at Wright State?
Recruits have to ask
themselves "where will I improve?" with the talent and experience of
Coach Mac and we can take a student athlete's game and really make it explode
to a whole new level. I would like to
think that as a staff we have something very unique to offer to prospective
Wright State Raider tennis players, two coaches who work tirelessly to nurture
one's game and provide the best possible experience for all.
5. Growing
up, who did you idolize?
I had no one. I have
always been an outsider in the game of tennis, even now. I have always done my
own thing. I Praise God for my WSU college tennis Coach Herb Foster. Coach Foster taught me what it meant to find
a way to win. That's life, find a way to win.
When obstacles get in your way go to plan B, and find a way to win. This is something I coach my players everyday
in practice. Never be comfortable with
just being ok on the court, and don't be afraid of being amazing.
6. What do
you see for the future of your sport at Wright State?
I hope that when I
take my last breathe; that WSU tennis will be a nationally-ranked team. That, and kids grow up DREAMING they too
will play for the Raiders one day.
7. Can you talk about your scheduling philosophy?
Play
good teams that will be a battle, and you'll win some and lose some but you
will get better, and that is what this is all about. Get better on the court, in the classroom and
in the real world.
