May 13, 2000
by Tad Middleton, Illinois Athletic Public Relations Intern
TM: What does it mean to be at the University of Illinois?
GO: Being a part of the
tennis team at the University of Illinois is a very important part of my
life. Transferring from the University of Alabama wasn?t an easy decision,
but I knew that it was the right decision after I went through one week of
practice with this team.
TM: What has been the best part?
GO: When I first arrived here in Champaign, I was
apprehensive about joining a new team and earning the respect of my new
teammates. However, Craig took us on a trip to England for a week and I
learned more about every guy on team than I could have in a full semester.
The best part of this past year was going to England and getting to know my
teammates.
TM: How easy is it for a newcomer to come in and fit in with this program?
GO: All
the guys on the team and the coaches made me feel like I had always been
here. It was not difficult to be a newcomer on this team, because this team
is made up of great people, starting from the top with Bruce and Craig.
TM: Give a little breakdown of your practice time.
GO: Five days a week we have
team practice in the afternoon. I have three private lessons with Bruce and
Craig a week and I lift weights three days a week.
TM: What are the strengths to your game and why?
GO: My serve and volley is the
biggest strength because it puts a lot of pressure on my opponents.
TM: What is it like playing with Cary Franklin?
GO: Fun! Cary and I have
experienced a lot of success and failure, and we have learned a lot playing
together. He is one of the biggest influences in my life and one of my best
friends, and it makes for a great environment to compete with such a great
friend.
TM: Where is your favorite place on campus?
GO: Atkins Tennis Center--indoors and out of the cold!
TM: Tell us about Graydon Oliver 10 years from now.
GO: A sports agent for IMG.
TM: Funniest person on the team and why?
GO: Michael (Kondor) Kosta. Because he just is.
TM: If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be?
GO: Jim Carey.
TM: One word to sum up Craig Tiley.
GO: Loyal.
