Northern Illinois men's golfer Zach Jecklin took some time out of his busy schedule to answer questions about life as a Huskie Student-Athlete. Jecklin currently leads NIU with a scoring average of 73.6 this season.
Why did you decide to come to NIU?
Much of the reason I came to NIU was because of how much I
liked Coach [John] Cleary. It has turned out to be a great
choice. I have loved playing for Coach.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete at NIU?
Being around all the other athletes. It has been a great
opportunity to meet a lot of new people other than just golfers.
What is the toughest part about being an athlete at NIU?
Juggling my time between athletics, academics, and a social
life. They all tend to run into each other.
What is your most memorable moment at NIU?
Probably topping my tee shot directly into a water hazard in
Nebraska on the second hole of my NIU career. It wasn't exactly a good memory.
What is your favorite road trip while at NIU?
Well it would be between Hawaii and North Carolina. I had beaches in Hawaii and home cooked meals in North Carolina. I think Mrs. McClung's rib dinner wins.
If you could accomplish just one thing while at NIU, what would it be and why?
I would like to help NIU golf to be a better program after I leave than when I first got here.
How do you prepare for a big contest? What goes through your mind right before the competition starts?
I'm not a very superstitious person so I really don't do a lot of things out of the ordinary. I sleep a lot more on trips and I never sleep at NIU. There is too much to do that's more fun. Right before the competition I try to relax myself as much as possible. I think very little about the actual tournament while I'm on the course.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career?
My swing coach, Jeff Mory. No matter how many times I've
been completely frustrated, he has been there to steer me back on track.
What's your favorite saying or phrase uttered by your coach?
Coach [Cleary] and I say "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose" a lot. I know we took it from Friday Night Lights but it's one of our favorite shows. So it works.
How has being a student-athlete at NIU helped or changed you?
It's helped turn me into a very well rounded person. During high school my life was all about golf. Then in the beginning of college it turned into all about college. Now that I am in my third year here at NIU I have found a happy medium between the two. And I have introduced a lot of new things into my life.
What is your favorite class? What is your least favorite class?
I may sound like a complete nerd after this one but I would say the Statistics class that I am in this year. I decided to get a STAT minor just for the fun of it. My least favorite class was an Electrical Engineering class I took my freshman year while I still thought I would be an engineer. That thought didn't last more than a semester.
What is your favorite activity outside of sports? Why?
I love movies. I go see a lot in the theater, especially during the summer.
Where is your favorite place to eat in DeKalb? Why?
One of my favorite places is Panda Express. There is nothing greater than their orange chicken. Also if I can ever get my hands on a freshman with extra money on their account, then Dog Pound Deli is where it's at.
If you could have dinner with 3 people in history, who would it be and why?
Bill Clinton for one. I truly believe he was one of the best presidents we have had. He was brilliant when it came to the economy. Second, I would pick Hank Aaron because he was one of my favorite baseball players. Also I would love to have a conversation with Hank about how much we both probably hate Barry Bonds. The last person I would choose would be Martin Luther King, Jr. because I don't know how he was able to keep his drive when he had SO MANY people that were against him.
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? Why?
Life's Changes, because of the dramatic change my life took around my Junior year of high school. I wouldn't be the person I am without going through that change.
Who would play you in the movie about your life? Why?
Matthew McConaughey, obviously because of my good looks. In all seriousness I think we would get along great and have a lot in common.
The song I can't stop listening to right now is...
"I Tried" by Bone Thugs N Harmony and featuring Akon.
I am the video game champion of...
DDR, bring it on.
TV show I can't stop watching right now is....
Friday Night Lights and CSI
My favorite all-time movie is...
Man on Fire. You don't get better than Denzel and Dakota.
Funniest thing that's ever happened to me is...
All the moments I have spent with Dan Gratton. There is no one that I know funnier than he is.
The words I try to live by are...
"Laziness is the assassin of genius."
