Grade: Junior
Age: 17
Sport: Swimming
Claim to fame/honors: Received Troy’s Scholar Athlete Award both freshman and sophomore years; owns school records in the mile, 500 freestyle and 200 butterfly; earned All-GWOC first team in 200- and 50-yard freestyle, second team in 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay as sophomore; owns GWOC North district record in the 500 freestyle; as a freshman in GWOC earned first team honors in 500 freestyle, special mention in the 100 backstroke, second team in the 200 medley relay.
Bet you didn’t know … I’m a master ear wiggler
Words you live by: Keep a positive outlook on life
Toughest opponent: It’s always the best to beat Piqua, our rival
Biggest influence: Definitely friends and family; having that good support system
Meet-day rituals: I usually have egg sandwich; behind the blocks I’m always stretching, getting loose and starting to get focused.
What’s on your bedroom walls? Pictures of me and my friends; a few movie posters
When I’m bored I like to … if it’s a rainy day, I’ll read a book or watch Netflix; or hang out with friends
Favorite movie: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Person who would play you in a movie: Daniel Radcliffe
Favorite TV show: Friends
Favorite musical artist: Bastille
I can’t live without: My friends and family
I can live without: Negative people
Event you’d like to attend: I’ve always wanted to go to Olympics; or just the U.S. Swimming Trials
Favorite book: The Perks of Being Wallflower
Favorite home-cooked meal: My mom’s homemade cheesy cream corn
Favorite restaurant: I definitely go Chipotle and Chick-fil-A at least once a week
Favorite smell: Whenever I come home and my mom’s cooking
Favorite cereal: Reece’s Puffs; I eat it about every morning
Store where you’d like a shopping spree: American Eagle
Vegetable you won’t eat: I’m wary of Brussels sprouts
I’d love to trade places for a day with … Michael Phelps just to see how he trains
Whose mind would you like to read? Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochte to see how they stay focused and prepare themselves mentally
Place where you’d love to travel? Italy
Talent you’d like to have? I’ve always wanted to play a musical instrument
Favorite school subject: English or biology
Favorite athlete: Michael Phelps
Favorite team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite Olympic sport: Swimming
Something in the world I’d like to change: All the hatred and hostility; help people see it can get better
Favorite sports moment: The first time at GWOC my freshman year when I got to stand on the podium
Favorite junk food: Coldstone ice cream, Birthday Cake Remix specifically
Best thing about swimming: Just the team aspect; a lot of people think of swimming as an individual sport, but when you spend as much time as I do with club swimming the team is so important
In 10 years, I hope to be … working with the African Wildlife Foundation as a zoologist for research and conservation
Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete’s name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.
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