By Ken Hansard

Recently, VYPE had the privilege to talk to and to find out more about Eisenhower High School athlete Pierce Blue.

VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?
Blue: I would love to work hard this season and have a winning record. It would also be great to go to state. 

VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?
Blue: I would say the most fun I’ve had this year was when I went with my basketball team to Springfield for a tournament. I had a lot of fun with my team, and it was awesome competing in the tournament. 

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?
Blue: My favorite teacher is Mr. Manning. He is one of our vice-principals. He is super nice and plays basketball with me during shoot around.  

VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
Blue: I had my first in-game dunk last December, and it was exciting! 

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Blue: I had a teammate last season named Jaden Roth. He and I were pretty close. He taught me a lot about the game of basketball.  He also was a really kind dude. 

VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
Blue: I love the chemistry that we have as a team. I see these guys all the time at school, and it always brightens my day. We have been playing together for a while, so it’s always a great time to play with them. 

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?

Blue: I would go to a beach in Florida with my family and cousins. I love going on vacation with my cousins, and Florida has some nice beaches. 

VYPE: If we gave you $5000 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?
Blue: If I had $5000 and I had to spend it in 24 hours, I would give 10 percent to my church, then I would probably go with some friends on a shopping trip and get some basketball shoes and jerseys. If I had some left over, I would give it to my family. 

VYPE:  What other sports, activities, or community service projects do you participate in, and how have these helped to prepare you for the future?
Blue: I used to do taekwondo. It helped me to have self-control and taught me discipline. I also am Catholic and go to church every weekend. God is first in my life, and I want to do the best I can for Him.