Some might call Salisbury senior men’s basketball forward Mike Maczko a “gym rat”.  He’s been running courts throughout the Baltimore area for years, thanks in part to his dad’s coaching career.  Maczko, this week’s INTRODUCING … featured student-athlete, is also a solid student and understands that life goes on after the playing career has ended.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I started playing basketball when I was probably five.  My dad (Terry) has been coaching college basketball (Baltimore City Community College) ever since I can remember and it’s just something that’s always been a huge part of my life.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   My major is Communications with a focus on Human Studies.  The most important thing I’ve learned in that discipline is how to talk to people of all different backgrounds and cultures.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot is the Fireside Lounge because it’s a quiet place where I can catch up on SportCenter and a great place to take naps in between classes.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   My favorite place to visit outside of home and campus is my high school, John Carroll. My teammates and I are still great friends and its always a place where we can go hangout and play ball.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   I am part of the Center for Student Achievement, which helps students with tutoring and organizational skills.  I also like to think I help coach some of my friends’ intramural teams.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   The most memorable experience during my collegiate athletic career was my first dunk against Marymount.  I leaked out on a broken down play, my teammate found me and I finished the play, just a great feeling that I’ll never forget.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   I think the most important societal issue facing college students right now is what to do after college.  The job market is struggling with the economy, and I think the more students can get ahead in college for life afterwards will better prepare us for the real world.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?    I would end the NBA lockout because baseball and football get too much attention on TV.  I would end it by giving the players the money they deserve.  They put their bodies on the line everyday and could get injured, ending their career in a second.  It’s a competitive profession and their families should have some type of financial security.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   Other than my family members, the most influential person in my life has been my dad’s long time assistant coach, Tony Smith.  He’s been like an uncle to me and has always been there to support me and push me to do better in everything I do. 

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is going to the movie theatre.  It’s just a chance to get away from everything, relax, and enjoy some good acting. 

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?  My favorite source of information is Twitter.  It gives me the latest updates on everything that I specifically want to know about and also other news that my friends find interesting and appealing to the public.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   One piece of advice I would give is to always work hard in school.  There are only a handful of people that can make money playing sports, and when that day ends you are going to need something to fall back on and be successful in something else.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   My favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant simply because he’s the hardest working player in the NBA and he doesn’t care what anyone thinks about him. 

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   Larry Bird, Ari Gold from the show, Entourage, and Dave Chapelle because each of the guys have been successful in their own crafts and come from different backgrounds.  Also, I can always count on Chapelle for a good laugh at the table.