By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Sam Spika
Activity: Boys Tennis
Sam Spika is a first-year varsity performer as a senior, where he has been named a team captain.
His marquee wins include the Portage Invite at No. 3 singles, and defeating Onalaska and Madison LaFollette down in Beaver Dam.
What is it like to be a leader on the tennis team at Ashwaubenon High School? “It has been good. It’s fun to be a leader to the younger kids on the team and to joke around with them. I really feel that the team has built a strong sense of camaraderie between all of its players and that’s really cool to me.”
What is your most embarrassing moment ever in tennis? “For some reason, I am constantly getting hit with balls. I don’t know what it is, but almost every practice I get nailed by a tennis ball.”
How many years have you been involved in tennis? “I have been involved in tennis for six years.”
What is your most memorable moment? “This year, we had to shovel the tennis courts because of blizzard Evelyn. The snow was pretty heavy and tiring to shovel. But, let me tell you, it was one good gosh darn workout.”
What’s the hardest part about tennis match? “Keeping a cool head and not allowing your play to suffer from anger or frustration.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be? “It would be pretty cool to be my grandpa. He seems to have a lot of time on his hands and he’s a senior. He gets a free pass on a lot of stuff.”
What are your college aspirations? “I’m planning pursuing a major in computer science at St. Norbert College.”
What would your dream job be once you graduate? “I would like to become a software engineer.”
What are your hobbies? “During the summer, I like to hang out at our family cottage and go swimming with my cousins. My family also does a lot of traveling which is always very fun.”
What is your favorite event ever attended? “A JDRF Gala in support of Type 1 diabetes research. My younger brother was diagnosed with this disease five years ago; so this is a cause that is very close to my heart.”
What is your favorite type of music? “Progressive Rock”
What is your favorite thing to do on your phone? “I like listening to music and watching YouTube videos.”
What three words describe you? “Hungry, sleepy, dopey”
What is your favorite trip ever taken? “My family and I went to Texas over this last spring break and that was extraordinarily fun.”
Favorites
Food: Fettuccine Alfredo
Subject: Math
TV Show: “Impractical Jokers”
Athlete: My mom…seriously if I answer anything else what kind of son would I be?
Board Game: Chutes and ladders… minus the chutes…the ladders only work for me
Candy: M&M’s
Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Holiday: Christmas
Season: Spring, unless it’s like this last one, then summer
Comments on Sam Spika: “Sam is one all around class act guy,” said Scott Conradt, boys tennis coach. “He has been a leader and constant role model for our tennis team. Everyone always feels at ease around him with his kind, calm, and caring demeanor. He always puts others first which in the world we live seems to be a rarity at times. Sam’s personality of wit and humor has really been a joy to work with the past four years. To top things off, the guy has a beard! On the tennis courts we call that the x-factor.”