Central Michigan University Athletics
Meerman Confident In Starting Role
11/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 25, 2002
By Rob Wyman
Sports Information Assistant
The opportunity to start the final four games of last season gave Central Michigan University basketball player T.J. Meerman the confidence and experience to propel him into a key role entering this season.
"That gave me the confidence that I could be a successful player at this level," said Meerman. "The experience that I got from those starts have been invaluable because the best way to learn more and get better is to play in game situations. It taught me how important my leadership was on the court."
The preseason did not get off to a good start for T.J. as he dislocated his thumb early in the fall and had to practice with a small cast on his hand.
"It was tough having to practice with a cast on because it limited the amount of things I could do," said the 6-3 point guard. "It taught me how to deal with adversity and adapt to different problems. I don't think people realize how important their thumbs are and how much they use them, so I had to change the way I did some things during practice."
During the summer, T.J. found a new hobby that helped him relax and just get away: sailing. "Sailing is something I really enjoyed doing," said the Coopersville product. "It is such a relaxing activity because it is so quiet and peaceful out on the water. The only downside is it's a pretty expensive hobby, but, hopefully, it's something that I can continue to do as I get older."
With only two years left of eligibility, T.J. has begun to consider what he wants to do after college and coaching is on top of the list.
"When I get done with school, I want to be able to get a job as a football or basketball coach at the high school level," said the physical education major. "I have seen first hand the enjoyment of coaching at the high school level with my dad (Jim) coaching football for so long. I want to build a program like he has at Coopersville, a program that I could put my name on and be proud of."
Things have not been easy for T.J. at CMU. But, he has learned some important lessons that will motivate him in his final two seasons.
"I have a lot of pride for this team and it's important to me how this team does during my final two years," he said. "I want to take this team back to the top and to the success we enjoyed a few seasons ago."
