Creighton soccer freshman adds Questions to resume

Each week, CatholicSportsNet.com will be getting to know a new student-athlete from around the country, by asking him/her a series of 20 questions - some in-depth, some lighthearted - that will provide insight into the thoughts and personalities of the men and women who are doing great things on and off the courts, fields, tracks, and courses.

With a 2-0 win over Missouri State Wednesday night at Morrison Stadium, the Creighton University men's soccer team captured its 10th Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship, and the Bluejays can win the title outright with a win this weekend against Bradley.

Creighton has only allowed 14 goals in 16 games, and one of the leaders for the Bluejay defense has been freshman ironman Tyler Polak. The Lincoln, Nebraska native has started in every game for Head Coach Jamie Clark's team this season, and also played every minute as well. That statistic is not surprising, considering the impressive soccer resume Polak has built in his young career.

A Member of the U-20 U.S. National Team Pool in the Dallas Cup, Polak was one of five candidates for 2009 U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year and recorded 35 career caps for U-17 National Team (a team he led with 19 international appearances/starts in 2009. Polak also played every minute of every match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria and the U-17 CONCACAF Tournament in Mexico in 2009.

Polak graduated from Bradenton (Fla.) Prep Academy in December, 2009 after playing his freshman season at Lincoln (Neb.) Pius X, where he became the only freshman on the all-state Class B squad. Tabbed as a NSCAA Youth All-American in 2008 and 2009, and a PARADE All-American in 2009, Polak is also a member of Nebraska and Region II Olympic Developlment Program.

The son of Terry and Jan Polak, Tyler is the youngest of four children, and recently added to his resume again with the completion of the CatholicSportsNet.com "20 Questions." Read below for Polak's answers.

1. How did you choose the college you attend?

I chose Creighton because it was close to home and I lived in Florida two years prior to coming to CU. It was also nice to finally have my family come to games.

2. What is your favorite part of college athletics?

My favorite part of college athletics is having a close knit group that I can relate to on campus both on and off the field.

3. How do you balance academics and your sport?

The way I balance academics and soccer is by doing a minimum of 10 hours a week of study hall. Creighton offers a place specifically for studying and doing homework which is great resource for me when I need a quiet place to study.

4. What is the hardest part about being a student athlete?

One of the hardest parts of being a student athlete I think is catching up on class assignments or notes when a class is missed due to an athletic trip.

5. What do you do for fun when you aren’t in class or at practice?

One thing I do to have fun when I’m not in class or practice is going down to the basketball courts with my friends and play a little ‘bball’. Another important event is without a doubt playing some Fifa 11 in the dorm room.

6. What is the best characteristic that you bring to your teammates?

I think the best characteristic that I bring to my teammates is just lightening up the mood. I try to get people to laugh and have fun. Some people are too serious about things and just need to smile.

7. What does your team do as a pregame ritual?

One team ritual is that we all eat our pregame meal together and some of us do chapel before to get our mind set right for the game ahead.

8. What music do you listen to before a game?

The music I usually listen to before a game is techno. It kind of wakes me up and pumps me up.

9. What role does your faith play throughout school, games, and practice?

My faith plays a huge role throughout my whole college life in respect to it helps me make right decisions and inspiration.

10. Favorite pro team to watch?

My favorite pro team to watch is definitely Arsenal from North London.

11. What is your coach’s best quality?

The best quality about my coach is his ability to relate to the players. He is not just a coach but a friend. He’s a person I can go talk to about anything and he’ll give great advice back.

12. Why is a team captain(s) so important to the team?

I think a team’s captain is very important for a team because the captain shows and displays how a team should act. A Captain sets a good example and is an ambassador to other teams or officials.

13. How does your team handle defeat? What do you say to your team after a tough loss?

If we have had a tough loss the team usually gets together after the game and the captains try to keep us motivated; heads up. I usually don’t say much after a tough loss. I am more of a leader by example, so I just try to stay positive.

14. What is your favorite pregame snack?

My favorite pregame snack would probably have to be a Gatorade energy bar. They offer a lot of flavors but I like wild berry and cinnamon apple.

15. Favorite movie quote?

“Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I've just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you're doing and listen…. Cannonball!” - Ron Burgundy, Anchorman

16. What advice to you have for young student athletes as they decide where to go to college?

It’s probably hard for young athletes to choose a college because there are so many but some advice that I would give is to look at as many schools as possible before making the final decision. Also, make sure your mom loves the school so she’s not worried 24/7 about you.

17. Best smart phone app?

I think the best smart phone app that I have is the “SuperGNE.” It is a Super Nintendo emulator with all favorite classic Super Nintendo games that I used to play when I was a kid right on my phone.

18. How do you think your involvement in college sports and academics will benefit you when you begin to look for a job?

I think my involvement in college sports and academics will benefit me when I’m looking for a job because I have more experience with handling multiple tasks rather than just one. I can be found to reliable in times of stress.

19. What does it mean to play athletics for a Catholic college?

It means a lot to me and my family that I am playing at a Catholic college. I know that they are proud of me for making the decision to come here which makes me feel good about it.

20. What is your proudest athletic achievement?

My proudest athletic achievement would probably have to be playing in the U-17 Men’s World Cup back in 2009 where it took place in Nigeria, Africa. I played the most minutes from the entire team along with being tied for the most CAPs. It was also very special because all my family and friends were given the chance to watch me on TV.