Athlete Showcase: Austin Balos
Published 8:16 am Friday, October 23, 2015
Austin Balos is a senior on the Brandywine tennis team.
What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?
AB: Winning regionals individually and as a team my sophomore year.
What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?
AB: Losing in the regional final at No. 3 singles.
What has been a hardship in your life?
AB: Making the transition from football to tennis.
Who is a “hero” in your life and why?
AB: David Sidenbender because he introduced me to tennis.
When are you the most nervous while you are competing?
AB: During close games that could determine the outcome of the entire match.
Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.
AB: Whiffing on an overhead in warm-ups against Edwardsburg.
How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself?
AB: Going to the YMCA.
What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?
AB: I would like to participate in cross country.
Who would you say is your “biggest fan?” Why?
AB: Chance Smith, because he supports me at every match.
How would you give away $50,000?
AB: I would give $50,000 to the school for new tennis courts.
If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?
AB: New York Yankees.
If I did not play sports, I would…?
AB: I would work and still workout.
What is the most challenging thing for you
to do in your sport?
AB: Playing in the harsh conditions.
If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
AB: No foreign exchange students.
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
AB: When the Olivet coach told me he liked my socks.
What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?
AB: Playing against Kalamazoo Hackett. I’m glad I did because it made me a better tennis player.
What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?
AB: A “tweener” winner in the conference tournament.
What is your favorite hobby? Why?
AB: Playing tennis because it’s fun to play with my friends and its great exercise.
Choose one word to describe yourself:
AB: Enthusiastic.