St. Xavier Senior Swimmer Answers Questions

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.

 

Ryan Haas, a senior at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, recently joined his swim team in celebrating their 32^nd state championship for the school. While a 4.0 student considering Georgetown University or the U.S. Air Force Academy, Haas contributed significantly to his team in the pool this year including a third place in the 100 Yard Backstroke and 100 Yard Butterfly at Ohio State High School Championships.

 

1. What is your favorite pump up music for a meet?

 John Mayer or Dave Matthews when I am warming up and Hip Hop or R&B when I’m behind the blocks.

 

2. What is your ideal meal/snack before a meet?

Any type of pasta the night before the meet

 

3. What is the best lesson your parents have taught you to this point?

Give my best effort in everything I do, and be a good friend to others

 

4. Which athlete do you look up to on a college/professional level?

Cory Chitwood, who currently swims for the University of Arizona, swam on my club team, the Northern Kentucky Clippers, several years ago. He has achieved his success in swimming through commitment and hard work.

 

5. What is your favorite movie quote?

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off                 

 

6. How does your faith impact your approach to sports?

My faith is an important part of my swimming.  I pray regularly before a swim meet.  I feel blessed and fortunate to have the skills and ability to perform well in the pool.

 

7. What keeps you motivated?

My teammates are my biggest motivation. They push me in practice every day to be the best I can possibly be.

 

8. All time favorite board game?

Monopoly

 

9. iPhone or Droid?  

Droid

 

10. Favorite Facebook function?

Facebook Chat

 

11. What is your favorite reality TV show?

The Amazing Race

 

12. What is your favorite pro team?

Cincinnati Bengals

 

13. What is your best quality/characteristic?

Being a friend to others

 

14. If time machines really existed, and you only had the ability to take one trip, would you go forward or backward? Why?

I would like to go forward to see what it would be like to live in the future.

 

15. What is your favorite hour of the day?

My favorite hour of the day is around 11 o'clock when I finally get to sleep

 

16. Best smart phone app?

Angry Birds

 

17. Where is your favorite place to volunteer/provide community service?

As an assistant coach Special Olympics Swimming

 

18. What is one hidden talent that you possess?

Over the past several years, I have become particularly good at art           

 

19. What is one thing you wish scientists would invent?

 A cure for all kinds of cancer

 

20. What is your proudest athletic moment?

2011 Ohio State High School Championship victory, 32nd state championship for St. Xavier High School