A weekly Q&A with Baylor's student-athletes
September 29, 2005
BEAR FACTS Archive
Michael Gary
Football
Senior, Defensive Tackle
When did you start playing your sport?
When I was in fourth grade, I was in Germany and I started playing flag football. It was kind of aggressive and I just kept playing every year, steppin' it up and I kept going until now.
Who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My dad, he's the one who told me when we moved to Texas that Texas football is different than any football I'd ever played, so he got my mind right. Coach Adams, the former defensive line coach, he opened my eyes to a lot of things and then Coach Wnek , the d-line coach now, he just kind of finished the package.
What is the best part of being a college athlete?
You get four more years to play after high school. If you truly love the game, you will love the game forever, but the NFL doesn't accept everybody and college doesn't accept everybody so the biggest thing is being out here with the fans. I get this tingle in my stomach every time before we come out and we actually get national coverage being on TV so that's great!
If you weren't playing the sport you are now, which sport would you want to play?
Baseball because they paid more in the major leagues so I would try to be a first baseman or something.
What is your nickname on the team and why?
Just Mike G, just my regular name.
After meeting coach Morriss, what was you first thought?
I actually met his wife before I met him and she was very energetic and open, telling us how things were going to go. After meeting the big man on the motorcycle, at first he was quiet and I didn't know what to expect but he opens up to us and shows us he cares about us. When I first met him I thought he was kind of stone cold but he cares a lot about this team and this program and he's going to do everything for us that he can.
If you could play a different position, what would it be?
I would play tight end. They get the ball thrown to them and at d-tackle you can't really show them that you've got hands, but I've got hands so I just want to let them know!
Do you have a pre-game ritual, if so what is it?
I write on my tape. On my right arm, I put something to inspire me like "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." On my left arm I write something to motivate me and keep me focused, something that says the Lord will have my back but I've got to do my part. And, I always pray.
What is the most unique item in your locker?
I have a bunch of junk. Everyone else's locker is pretty much clean but I've got an old stack of cleats from freshman year and shirts and stuff. I can't throw anything away because everything's a memory for me.
Who are your favorite sports heroes?
Warren Sapp, he plays my position and I learn a lot from him. Also, Michael Vick, we're both from Virginia and he plays for the Number 1 Falcons!
What athlete did you imitate when you were a kid?
I didn't really know too many athletes so I just imitated my dad even though I never saw him play.
Where is your favorite place to go after a game/event?
To get something to eat. If we win, I like to be seen but if we're losing then I go home. When we're winning I'm at George's but if we lose, I'm at the house contemplating what I could have done more.
What is the best venue you have ever played in?
Oklahoma because the crowd was in it. I had never seen such a big crowd. They sell out the stadium every game and they have a bigger stadium than we do so, it was eye-opening to see what a successful program that's been successful for a long time looks like.
What is the highlight of your sports career?
This season, being 3-0 has been the highlight so far. We've struggled here at Baylor since I've been here and luckily this is my senior year and I can still experience something. This year will probably be the highlight of my college career.
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
When I had a chance for an interception at the Oklahoma game and I just flopped all over it. It hit me in my face and everybody still gets to me to this day.
What opposing school do you most look forward to competing against?
A&M, not too many people like those Aggies and I've got some friends that play down at Texas so I always look forward to that. Basically, A&M this next weekend, that's the point and I'm ready to get after them.
Why did you choose to attend Baylor?
It had a good academic program and I felt like I could change things with this team. I thought if I could make an impact and be noticed it would be here at Baylor. I went to high school with Darold Williamson and he was coming here and we were best friends since high school so I would know people here rather than going to another school and not know anybody.
What's the most important thing you've learned as a Baylor athlete?
Patience is probably the number one thing I've learned as a Baylor athlete. We had to turn this program around, it wasn't going to turn over night. Patience and hard work, we have to wait and it's going to cost, but we're 3-0.
What has been your favorite class at Baylor?
Packard physics my freshman year, that was my first and only A.
What single thing will you most miss about Baylor when you leave?
These guys, football, it's hard work and we complain about it every day we can but when I listen to the seniors that go before me, we have been around each other too much not to miss each other. We're around each other 24/7 and even though we like to act like we don't like eachother, we're a team, we're a family.
Who is your all-time favorite Baylor athlete?
Santana Dotson, he was a nice defensive end here at Baylor and Mike Singletary too, you can't forget Mike Singletary.
What CD is in your player right now?
I've got a mixed CD, a little Young Jeezy, a little TI and a sprinkle of Mariah Carey.
What is the last movie you watched?
Sahara
What is one thing you must pack when traveling?
My toothbrush
As a role model to young athletes, what advice can you give?
Hard work and no regrets, you've got to come to college and realize you aren't the top dog anymore and you've got to work hard and work your way in. So, you've just got to work hard and don't slack off.
What is your favorite fast food?
McDonalds, I was raised on McDonalds.
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Getting recognized on the football field. I came from a slow start and nobody knew who I was or where I was coming from so I had to work from the bottom up. I overcame a season-ending injury my freshman year so I had to keep rebuilding and progressing and finally get to this starting spot I've had my past two years.
Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you.
I'm well traveled, I was born in Germany and lived in Japan and Italy. I've been all over Europe and I'm not Texas bred, I'm from Virginia.
Name one thing you can't go a week without.
A bath
What is your dream job?
I guess to be in football but outside that, I'm an entrepreneur and I want to be in business, hopefully in the culinary arts. You can call me a mini- Emeril, so that would be my dream to own my own restaurant or business, something I can control and grow to give my kids later in life.
What's your most valued possession?
A necklace and a candle that my mom gave me before I came to college. The candle symbolizes the innocence and just keep it burning and the chain is something from my grandmom and mom.
What do you consider the all-time greatest moment in sports?
The Baylor girl's basketball team winning the national championship! That put Baylor on the map and hopefully we can follow in their footsteps, Go Lady Bears!
Playstation 2 or Xbox?
Playstation 2
Movies or TV?
TV
MTV or ESPN?
ESPN
Inflatable Judge or Bruiser?
Inflatable Judge
Burger or Pizza?
Pizza
Penland or Memorial?
Memorial
Sandals or Shoes?
Shoes
Cars or Trucks?
Trucks
compiled by Tami Becton, Athletic Media Relations student assistant
