QUICK Q&A:  JOHN GOULD, ST. THOMAS ACADEMY, SENIOR, BASEBALL

Gould, a shortstop, is in the process of wrapping up a busy and successful high school career. The three-sport athlete also was the quarterback on the Cadets football team and a guard on the basketball squad. Here is a closer look at Gould:

The best movie I've seen in the last year? "Act of Valor."

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Calm, athletic, competitive.

How did you get started playing sports? My dad and older brother had a big impact on getting me started playing sports. They were always there to play sports with, and I would always try to be better than my older brother.

At my first varsity practice, I felt ... excited, because I had always dreamed about playing varsity baseball and I looked up to the older players.

What is your favorite pregame meal? Tombstone pizza.

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? Make the baseball season longer!

How do you balance school and sports during the year? Good time management. It gets difficult at times, but I always try to keep schoolwork ahead of sports.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete so far? My first varsity home run hit against our crosstown rival Henry Sibley.

When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do? Read a good book.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? The Minnesota Twins are definitely my favorite pro sports team because of the way they approach the game.

RON HAGGSTROM