You Can Say That Again

"I refuse to study in the library. It's just nasty. People cough and don't cover their mouth."
-Steve Jackson, College senior

Athlete of the Week
Captian junior Peter Swendsen won a three hour tennis marathon Saturday against Carnegie Mellon. In the number one singles match, Swendsen battled back after losing the first set of the match using a tie-breaker to win the match 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2). Earlier, he teamed with junior Sam Steckley to win the number 2 doubles 8-4.	Peter Swendsen (photo courtesy of S.I.D)

Marquee Event

In the Lockerroom with... Steve Jackson

Hometown: Chicago, IL Year: Senior Position: Sprinter High School: Culver Military Academy, Culver, IN Age: 21

Why did you choose Culver?
    It was a discipline-type thing, a good experience. At first my mom didn't want me to go. I was only 13. She realized it was really my decision. In Chicago, there were a lot of bad influences. I was still impressionable. If I didn't go to Culver, I wouldn't be at Oberlin.

What prompted you to be so focused at such a young age?
    I know I used to want to be an astronaut, but I've always wanted to be a doctor. I don't really know why. But, I am going to be a doctor.
    I grew up faster, because I was an only child. My mom put a lot of responsibility on me. He's in Florida. My mom did a heck of a job. I didn't miss out, believe me.

When did you start running track?
    I started running track my junior year in high school. I used to play baseball, but one of my friends who was a senior said, 'run track with me because it's my last year,' so I did.

Were you a good baseball player?
    Yes, I was a homerun hitter. One year, I hit 10-13. My heart wasn't in it. I left to do track. I kinda miss it.

What was your coach's reaction?
    He was real, real mad. The last time I saw him was at the '97 school graduation. He was very stand-offish. He still has a grudge.

You seem not to care what others think.
    Everybody's going to have something to say whether it's positive or negative. If I set a goal, I'm going after it. If I'm going after it, I'm probably going to get it.

Do you have a role model?
    My biggest role models have always been my mom and Martin Luther King. My mom was my best friend, inspiration, confidant. My mom gave me a big push, also escorting me, guiding me, a wonderful person.

What's your favorite thing about Oberlin?
    I would have to say the people I've known and love. If it wasn't for my friends I wouldn't be taking the steps that I'm taking. The people I'm really close to and the friends I've made that will last for a lifetime.

What's your biggest gripe about Oberlin?
    The hygiene. I don't think people are clean. People smell when I walk down the hall. I refuse to study in the library. I went there and got sick the next day. It's just nasty, people cough and don't cover their mouth.

What's your biggest accomplishment?
    In three months I'll be graduating from college. I'll be the first one in my family to graduate from college. I nod to myself in astonishment of how far I've come and how far I've got to go.

What's your biggest accomplishment in track?
    My biggest accomplishment in track is running a 6.62 in the 55-meter. My freshman year my fastest time was a 7.00. People usually don't improve that much. It proved that I've left my mark at Oberlin.

What's your most embarrassing moment in track?
    The first time a ran a 300-meter dash. I asked Coach Smith, how do I run the race. He smiled and said, "just run." I finished dead last. I was running so slow at the end of the race, I might have just been walking. I ran a 41.11. It was embarrassing. I was halfway confident going into it.

This Week's Events

Indoor Track

Friday and Saturday Conference Championships at Denison

Men's Tennis

Saturday vs. Otterbein College at 1 p.m.

Women's Tennis

Tonight vs. Cleveland State University at 7 p.m.

Saturday vs. Otterbein College at 11 a.m.

Intermurals

Horse basketball and free throw shooting Monday 7:30

Eight Ball Tournament March 14th (entries 3/12)

Three-on-Three Basketball (entries due 3/9)

Basketball and Softball leagues (entries due 4/1)

Club Sports

Women's Ultimate Saturday 10 a.m. at North Fields

Women's Rugby Saturday at Ohio Northern