I interview hundreds of student-athletes every year but I’ve never had one of them respond to a question like Andrew Beatty did.
Beatty, a senior basketball and football standout at Lynnwood High School, came to The Herald for an interview last week. It was for one of my weekly Timeout personality stories, which gives readers a closer look at what athletes do on and off the field.
Beatty was very well-spoken and confidently answered all my questions. When I asked him the final question — Who is your role model? — I expected him to name a coach, teacher or family member. But instead Beatty picked Kaytlyn Dill, also a senior at Lynnwood.
Dill, a Seattle University volleyball recruit, is an all-league first team honoree who ranks among the Western Conference’s most talented all-around athletes. She’s also Beatty’s girlfriend of more than two years.
Beatty explained why he admires Dill so much.
“She’s an outstanding athlete and she works really hard in the classroom. I think she has one of the best GPAs in the school,” said Beatty.
“She’s just an all-around great person and really someone to look up to, especially for girls,” he added. “She’s a competitor, and that’s what I really like about her.”
Some guys would say this sort of thing just to earn extra points with their significant other, but Beatty seemed extremely genuine.
Here are a few other things Beatty, a 6-foot-2 guard, talked about that didn’t make it into the newspaper. (You can read the Timeout story on Beatty by clicking here.)
Which sport do you like better: basketball or football? (Beatty is a three-year starter in both sports.)
“Football is more exciting only because you can play so many different spots and everybody is working as a team. If one person messes up, everybody messes up. … (Football) takes a lot more practice and a lot more work.”
What are your favorite sports movies?
“‘Remember the Titans’ and ‘Hoosiers.’ (In ‘Hoosiers’) it was a team that was really down and this coach came in there and he made them work and they ended up going to state.”
What would you like to learn how to do?
“Play guitar. I’m going to take a class next semester. I’ve always wanted to learn.”
What’s the worst show on TV?
“‘American Idol.’ It’s so stupid. It’s embarrassing. I can’t even look at it.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
