Feb. 12, 2005
A weekly Q&A with Baylor's student-athletes
BEAR FACTS Archive
Chris Gillis
Track and Field
Senior, Sprints, Long Jump
When did you start running?
I started running about 7th grade.
Who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My dad. He is always pushing me to do my best in whatever sport I played.
What is the best part of being a college athlete?
Traveling all over the country.
If you weren't running, which sport would you want to play?
Football
What is your nickname on the team and why?
Jersey just because that's where I am from
What event would you like to run besides sprints and long jumps?
I wish I could run the 400 here. Everyone wants to run the 400 at "Quarter mile U."
What is the craziest pre-game ritual you or a teammate has used?
We yell a lot and make a lot of noise.
What is the most unique item in your locker?
Nothing, we don't have lockers, or we never use them. Everything is in a bag on our backs.
Who are your favorite sports heroes?
Jesse Owens. Everything he did, he succeeded in.
Where is your favorite place to go after a race?
Anywhere I can sleep.
What is the highlight of your sports career?
Last year in the Regional championship I was in 6th place going to the finals. They take the top five of six jumps, and I came in second on my last jump to qualify for nationals.
What opposing school do you most look forward to competing against?
Florida
Why did you choose to attend Baylor?
The school, the coaches and a couple of my friends were coming here. It's not common to have three guys from Jersey all come to Texas. I figured there must be something nice down here.
What has been your favorite class at Baylor?
Packard Physics.
What single thing will you most miss about Baylor when you leave?
Everybody, all the people and all the friends that I have met here.
Who is your all-time favorite Baylor athlete?
Jeremy Warner
What CD is in your player right now?
Lil' Scrappy
What is the last movie you watched?
Friday Night Lights
What is one thing you must pack when traveling?
Spikes
Who is your favorite SportsCenter announcer?
Chris Berman
As a role model to young athletes, what advice can you give?
Never give up. Don't let anybody tell you can't do something. No matter what they say you can always do what you put your mind to.
What is your favorite fast food?
Wendy's.
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Balancing school and sports at the same time.
Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you.
I'm shy.
Name one thing you can't go a week without.
Wendy's.
If you had to perform karaoke, what song would you sing?
Sir Mix-A-Lot, Baby Got Back
What is your dream job?
To run track.
What's your most valued possession?
Right now it's a picture of my cousin because he was killed a couple of months ago. It's on my wall so everyday I get up, look at it, and thank God I have the chance to do everything I want to do.
What do you consider the all-time greatest moment in sports?
Since I go to Baylor, winning the 4x400 relay, Jeremy (Wariner) handing off to Darold (Williamson). Two Baylor athletes on one relay team. Two people from one school at that age on the same relay team is not common.
Playstation 2 or Xbox?
Xbox
Movies or TV?
TV
MTV or ESPN?
ESPN
Apprentice or Fear Factor?
Fear Factor
Inflatable Judge or Bruiser?
Inflatable Judge
Burger or Pizza?
Burger
Penland or Memorial?
Memorial
Sandals or Shoes?
Shoes
Smoothie or Shake?
Shake
compiled by Sarah Tinsley, Athletic Media Relations student assistant
