Sports Shorts

Athlete Of the Week

Jon MacDonald, a junior from Worthington, Ohio, scored a career-high 15 points in the men’s basketball 79-65 victory over Allegheny. MacDonald contributed all over the court with four rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks, which was a game-high.
For the season, MacDonald has 87 points, 60 rebounds, 10 assists, seven steals and 23 blocks, which leads the team.
MacDonald has played in every game since his first year. Last season he was second on the team in blocks. He has made more than 70 percent of his free throws in two of his three seasons.

The Yeomen are 7-8 in North Coast action this year, and play their final game, a conference match at Wabash, on Saturday. They are poised to be seeded fifth for the conference, which would pit them against Ohio Wesleyan in the conference tournament.

Marquee Event

Oberlin vs. Albion
Women’s Tennis
Sunday, 1 p.m.
John Heisman Field House.

The Women’s Tennis team opens their season with a home match against Albion. The team is looking to improve on last year’s 13-11 mark.

In the Locker Room with. . .

Contemplative sophomore basketball player Chris Ikpoh gives mostly serious, sometimes profound answers to even my silliest “In the Locker Room…” questions, ultimately revealing his deep sense of spirituality and what seems to be an extraordinary commitment to athletic endeavor.

Why basketball?

CI: When I was little, baseball was my sport. But after a while, I started to develop knee problems from it. The doctors also told me that I should try and find some other activity, so after my growth spurt, basketball became my thing.

What is the daily force driving you to keep playing the game?

CI: Knowing the history of the Oberlin team and seeing how well we’re playing right now. But also just loving basketball.

Is there any person who has been an inspiration to you?

CI: That would have to be my mother. Through everything that’s happened, she’s been my cornerstone, my rock. She’s the reason why I am here today.

There is something really personal and sincere about his answer, and at first I am taken aback by its honesty, because I have notions that it’s going to be somewhat difficult to make the interview “that funny little column in the Sports Shorts” from here on in. I change the subject.

What is your favorite food?
CI: Cereal, in general. I can eat it at any time of the day. It’s been that way since I was a kid.

What kind do you like?

CI: All kinds.

I’ve always been partial to Frosted Flakes.

CI: Yeah, those are good.

After this point, I give up on my strategy of making the interview as silly as possible, as I think it would do more justice to Chris if I let him speak the kinds of heavy answers he seems to want questions for. So I move the topic to a potentially serious issue by asking—

What is your personal philosophy of life?

CI: Do what you can, and do the best you can. God will take care of the rest.

So I take it God is also an important inspiration in your life?

CI: Definitely, a big inspiration.

You speak as if you have some really deep spiritual commitments. Do you incorporate prayer or meditation into your practice routine?

CI: Before games, one of my teammates will always pull us together for a prayer, so that we can all ask Jesus to be with us.

Why do you think Jesus is with you sometimes, but then sometimes seems to choose the other team?

CI: He’s always with us. When we lose, it is only because of our own shortcomings.

If you could become any animal, what would you choose to be?

CI: An eagle, because it is the bird of all birds. The eagle’s flight is the symbol of ultimate freedom. We all have freedom, but we don’t have ultimate freedom.

And though my last question is potentially silly, Chris manages to foil me again by giving an answer that is not only completely serious, it is somewhat inspiring for its lofty ideals and the sense of honesty and commitment it shows. I am left at the end of our short interview with a deep respect for a thoughtful and soft-spoken athlete.