A weekly Q&A with Baylor's student-athletes

Jan. 12, 2005

BEAR FACTS Archive

Jon Reckewey
Men's Tennis
Junior

When did you start playing your sport?
I started playing tennis when I was five, actually. My older brother and my cousin who is like 25 were all tennis players, so I started playing when I was a little kid and I just got into it.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career?
Probably my brother just because growing up and playing up as a little kid I would always look to see what he was doing, and I would always try to mimic him in some form or fashion so I would have to say he is the one who has motivated me to play.

What is the best part of being a college athlete?
I would just have to say probably your teammates, the people you get to know along the way and build relationships with.

If you weren't playing the sport you are now, which sport would you want to play?
I would want to play basketball. I would want to try it.

What is your nickname on the team and why?
Probably the most consistent one is Guga. It's short for Gustavo, who is a pro tennis player. He's just real tall and lanky, kind of like myself, so I guess I kind of look like him.

After meeting coach Knoll, what was you first thought?
Well the first time I met him I was 17 and at a tournament. My first thought, I was probably just intimidated.

Do you have a pre-game ritual, if so what is it?
No, I don't. I just like to relax, make sure I'm not too tight, and just listen to some music.

What is the most unique item in your locker?
I have a rock in there that says courage on it that I look at every now and then.

Who are your favorite sports heroes?
I'd have to say Pete Sampras and Michael Jordan.

What athlete did you imitate when you were a kid?
Pretty much anyone that was good, regardless of what I was doing.

Where is your favorite place to go after a game/event?
My couch. I love to go sit on my couch, watch some TV and relax. You know, wind down.

What is the best venue you have ever played in?
Probably the NCAA finals in College Station.

What is the highlight of your sports career?
Winning at three doubles, every match in the NCAA tournament.

What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
It might have actually just happened at National Indoors. I was pretty nervous, we were playing Ohio State and I drilled Matija Zgaga in the back of the head. I was trying to hit it out wide and I hit him directly in the back of the head, and we were playing Ohio State in Ohio so there was a crowd. I think I might have even double faulted after that because I was laughing.

What opposing school do you most look forward to competing against?
I really look forward to playing UCLA again. Other than that, probably Virginia and Illinois.

Why did you choose to attend Baylor?
Their tennis program, and the guys who were on the team and they way they interacted. So it was a pretty easy choice.

What's the most important thing you've learned as a Baylor athlete?
Balance your school with yout tennis.

What has been your favorite class at Baylor?
Small group communication

What single thing will you most miss about Baylor when you leave?
My teammates

Who is your all-time favorite Baylor athlete?
Benjamin Becker

What CD is in your player right now?
Tupac, All Eyes on Me

What is the last movie you watched?
Jarhead

What is your favorite TV show?
I like watching poker on TV, actually.

What is one thing you must pack when traveling?
Just your routine stuff, just my match uniforms.

As a role model to young athletes, what advice can you give?
Work hard and never give up.

What is your favorite fast food?
Wendy's number six, spicy chicken sandwich.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Balancing social life and school.

Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you.
I actually like being alone every now and then. I like some Jon time, people don't know that because I'm always looking for action.

Name one thing you can't go a week without.
Talking with my dad or my brother.

What is your dream job?
To be a head tennis coach at a Division I school that is winning national championships.

What's your most valued possession?
My tennis rackets-- the things I take care of the most.

Playstation 2 or Xbox?
Xbox

Movies or TV?
TV

MTV or ESPN?
ESPN

Inflatable Judge or Bruiser?
Bruiser

Burger or Pizza?
Pizza

Penland or Memorial?
Penland

Sandals or Shoes?
Shoes

Cars or Trucks?
Cars

compiled by Clay Pickering, Athletic Media Relations student assistant