The Observer, November 9, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 10
Spartan Spotlight: John Somerville
click to enlarge
The Basics: John Somerville is a third year, formerly majoring in BME, mechanical engineering, and biology, before finally settling on management. He's from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. , and is on the swim team.
Chris Lambert: How long have you been swimming?
John Somerville: Well, I learned how to swim when I was little, but I've been racing since sixth grade.
CL: Where's the coolest place you've swam?
JS: The pool at Indiana University, where they hold a lot of Olympic trials. It's so huge! It has three pools and the stands are divided into concourses.
CL: Huge things really seem to excite you. What's the best part about being on the swim team?
JS: Getting up at six in the morning in January and walking all the way across campus in the snow. It's my favorite.
CL: Builds character. Any idea of what you want to do with your life?
JS: I want to get into advertising, you know, like making commercials.
CL: My favorite commercial shows this dad in the grocery store with his kid, and his kid wants candy but the dad tells him no, so the kid starts screaming and knocking stuff off the shelves and causing a huge scene. It cuts to show all the customers looking at the dad, then cuts to the dad, then cuts to a screen that says: "use protection." Favorite food?
JS: Either steak or Leutner mac and cheese…it's a toss up.
CL: That really is a tough decision…but I'll eat anything Leutner cooks over steak any day. What's the coolest thing about Cleveland?
JS: Yeah…about that…
CL: Don't worry, it was a trick question. If you had a million dollars to better Case, what would you do?
JS: I would buy tasty, unnamed beverages for everyone…I mean, donate it to the scholarship fund and plant new trees.
CL: I would love a new tree right now. Best class you've taken?
JS: Come on now, Chris. You know that's an oxymoron.
CL: I know. Believe me, I know. Who do you admire?
JS: I admire you, Chris.
CL: That's really touching. Speaking of touching…Natalie Portman or Keira Knightly?
JS: I would have to go with Keira, but Natalie was pretty fun too…oh, is that not what you were asking about?
CL: No, that's exactly what I was asking about. I know where you've been. Which brings me to my next question: Denzel Washington or Russell Crowe?
JS: Denzel. He can hold hospitals hostage and coach epic football teams. Russell Crowe just punches people.
CL: Russell also commands ships, has a beautiful mind, is a gladiator in the boxing ring and the court room, and throws telephones at reporters. He's also Australian. Best advice you've ever received?
JS: If you're feeling randy, cover your candy.
CL: I had a friend who learned that the hard way. Anyone you want to send a shout out to?
JS: Yeah, to Mike Hart! Get healthy before the big game!
CL: Yeah, get healthy so Laurinaitis can break you in half, pansy. What are your predictions for the swim team this year?
JS: We're looking good…really good. I'd say third at UAA's and at least top 25 in nationals.
CL: With all the swimming you do, have you ever almost drowned?
JS: Yeah, just now…in your eyes.
CL: Thank you.
