MEET A MEMBER - 3

Since his initiation into squash through the Beginner Clinic a few months back, he hasn’t looked back. Signs of a squash addiction are popping up when you coax your girlfriend to take it up and bring in guests to hit with! He has already been a part of the box ladders for a while and we will no doubt be seeing him in leagues and tournaments in the not too distant future.

MEET… DREW VAN TONGEREN

The Squash Joint (TSJ): “What convinced you to try squash in the first place and what aspect of the sport got you hooked?”

I don't get along with treadmills. Therefore, I'm always looking for other ways to stay in (more like get in) shape. I picked up tennis this past summer and thought it would be fun to try another racquet sport. The hook? It's a great workout and a lot of fun to play.

TSJ: “Has it been more difficult or easier than you expected?”

Easier. There always seems to be a keg around the courts downstairs. That's why you'll hardly ever see me play on courts 1 and 2.

TSJ: “Do you have any background in any other sport?”

I grew up playing football, hockey, and golf. Although my favorite sport to play while at the U of M was inner tube water polo.

TSJ: “If I picked up your iPod right now and turned it on, what song would I hear?”

Something by Seger.

TSJ: “Tell us about your first ever paying job.”

The public driving range was running low on golf balls. I was running low on cash and common sense. At 13 years old, I loved golf, had plenty of hockey gear, and always looked for an opportunity to drive something that had 4 wheels, an engine, and went over 20mph when you jammed a golf tee in the governor. The owner of the range paid me $5 an hour to suit up in my hockey gear and shag balls out of the weeds on foot. He didn't put a cap on my hours and nearly went broke trying to keep me on the payroll.


TSJ: “You now work for CBS Radio. What exactly do you do?”

I help both local and national advertisers grow their businesses through a combination of on-air, online, and on-site marketing solutions.

TSJ: “What are some of the things you enjoy doing in your spare time?”

When I'm not on the water, on the golf course, or on the snow, you can find me in Napa Valley. I love to eat and drink. Hence the reason I'm playing squash.

TSJ: “You have a time machine that you can use only once. Do you go back or forward in time?”

Back. I want to be around as long as possible. Plus, I'd love to do college twice.

TSJ: “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be”?

Detroit. But I'd like to have a healthy travel budget someday.

TSJ: “Ever had a speeding ticket?”

Yes. I was also escorted by a squad car back to the driving range that same summer I shagged golf balls. The posted speed limit was 30, I was clocked at 27, but I was only 13 and was driving a golf cart. I was hungry and took the golf cart to Subway on my break.

TSJ: “And the one question people will no doubt judge you by, who is your favorite ‘Jersey Shore’ cast member?”

We've got a SITUATION!"


Thank you, Drew, for taking the time to answer these in depth, probing questions. (I can’t believe you actually watch Jersey Shore!) We certainly hope that you stick around and keep on bringing in buddies to take up this great sport! We’ll be seeing you in the courts!