University of Minnesota Athletics
Keeping in the Family: Senior Guard Randy Chall
12/10/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Chall understands his role on the team, to be a leader, both vocally and through his actions, to help the younger players mature and keep the team moving in a positive direction. "Your work ethic, academically, on the court-off the court, whether it be in the weight room or whatever it is, that is something I take very seriously, and I definitely hope that the young guys see that."
Chall added that while it is important to show up to practice every day ready to work hard, it is also as important to lead vocally. "There has to be a combination of being vocal and coming to work everyday. I enjoy pushing the guys. I enjoy them pushing me. I think that's the best way we can make each other better." Chall has played in 26 games over his four-year career, recording seven points, 12 rebounds and two steals. Despite not playing as many minutes as he may like, Chall's selflessness and drive to win keep him motivated.
"It's not an easy role...but it's an important role," Chall commented. "Only this team and the coaches see what goes on during practice, all the practice time we put in, just pushing each other making each other better, that's what really makes this team a family. When you realize that your hard work has made you a part of that family, that's where you really get your satisfaction...knowing that this team doesn't look at each other differently according to how many minutes anybody plays."
Since Chall joined the team as a walk-on in 2001, he has dedicated himself to his basketball family, but being a student-athlete has not been easy. A mechanical engineering major, Chall believes "It's a lot of work, but I think it's important to have balance in your life."
Part of that balance includes getting involved with groups such as Fellowship for Christian Athletes. This has helped him find time for the social aspects of his life, while playing basketball and seeking a degree. "It is difficult, you have to be disciplined with your time. But that discipline has really taught me a lot about what it takes to be strong, and to have character."
Chall takes his responsibilities on the team very seriously. He understands how important it is to be a leader for the younger guys on the team. While he works hard and pushes his teammates during practice, it is also less noticeable actions, like leading the team in pre-game and post-game prayer, where Chall excels as a leader. "It has really brought us together and I really enjoy that aspect of our team. All the guys, win or lose, bow their heads and give thanks to the Lord. I have a lot of respect for guys who are willing to do that regardless of the circumstances...it's tough to do after losses though."
This is where Chall also contributes to the team, by bringing everyone together, making the team a family.
Perhaps the reason Chall understands his role so well and is able to be a leader on the team is because of the players who were mentors for him when he first came into the program. Chall smiles while he recalls former teammate Dusty Rychart. "He [Rychart] was definitely my mentor. He and I were good friends, we played a lot during the summer, in the gym, we had great battles one-on-one."
Rychart also taught him about leadership "He always knew what to say to encourage you, and he knew how things worked, he was a hard worker and a great guy to have around."
Chall also remembers former teammates J.B. Bickerstaff and Kevin Burleson as being leaders who taught him a lot about being part of a team.
While he admits that it's hard when teammates leave due to graduation or leavingto play professionally, Chall explains that "with any family, you want the best for your teammates. If it's in a guy's best interest to leave and that's what he wants to do, then as a family we'll support that decision. And we just deal with it, and that's what we've done."
As for the remainder of the season, Chall is excited to get the Big Ten season underway. "I love playing Michigan State and Indiana," Chall said. "Anytime you get a chance to play them, whether it's here or at their place, I love those games. There's so much excitement in the air, it's just great to be a part of it."
Chall's experience shines through again when he begins talking about how important Big Ten games are. "There's no way you can come into those games flat." A message that he must pass on to his teammates if the Gophers are going to compete for the Big Ten title this year.
When he does get the opportunity to play, Chall takes full advantage of it. "It's a great opportunity and I enjoy it. Sometimes however, the lack of activity for so long makes it difficult to get into the swing of things right away. Mentally I feel great, physically I feel pretty stiff. The body takes a few times up and down the court to get back into it."
Chall's four years at the University of Minnesota have been very productive athletically as well as academically. Speaking about being able to play basketball in his native state, Chall said "I really consider it a privilege, one of the things I really enjoy is that my family can come to all the games. Being close to home, playing for my home state...I'm very proud to be a Minnesota Gopher. I'm very privileged to have the opportunity to do it, it's been an incredible experience that obviously I will never forget." Chall also appreciates the opportunities that are available to him due to basketball. "Through basketball, God has opened up so many doors for me, it's been an amazing journey."
For now, Chall and the rest of the Gophers are getting prepared for several important non-conference games.There is no doubt Chall is playing an imperative role preparing his team for each game. Watch closely as the younger players develop throughout the season. More than likely Chall's experience and leadership will be a key factor in their development, as well as the team's development as a family. Chall's plan now is "just to enjoy my last year." He expects to graduate at the end of this year with his degree in mechanical engineering. He sums up his experience as a Golden Gopher stating simply "It's been an honor."
Written by Media Relations Student Assistant Kevin Morales. He welcomes comments at gophers@umn.edu.
"As a senior, you have a lot of responsibilities to set a good example." Few players take on that responsibility as well as Randy Chall. Chall, a Forest Lake, Minnesota native, is playing his last year with the Minnesota basketball team, but perhaps it will be his most important. While he most likely won't be making a big impact on the court, it is off the court and during practice where this 6-5, 215-pound forward will be most influential.
Chall understands his role on the team, to be a leader, both vocally and through his actions, to help the younger players mature and keep the team moving in a positive direction. "Your work ethic, academically, on the court-off the court, whether it be in the weight room or whatever it is, that is something I take very seriously, and I definitely hope that the young guys see that."
Chall added that while it is important to show up to practice every day ready to work hard, it is also as important to lead vocally. "There has to be a combination of being vocal and coming to work everyday. I enjoy pushing the guys. I enjoy them pushing me. I think that's the best way we can make each other better." Chall has played in 26 games over his four-year career, recording seven points, 12 rebounds and two steals. Despite not playing as many minutes as he may like, Chall's selflessness and drive to win keep him motivated.
"It's not an easy role...but it's an important role," Chall commented. "Only this team and the coaches see what goes on during practice, all the practice time we put in, just pushing each other making each other better, that's what really makes this team a family. When you realize that your hard work has made you a part of that family, that's where you really get your satisfaction...knowing that this team doesn't look at each other differently according to how many minutes anybody plays."
Since Chall joined the team as a walk-on in 2001, he has dedicated himself to his basketball family, but being a student-athlete has not been easy. A mechanical engineering major, Chall believes "It's a lot of work, but I think it's important to have balance in your life."
Part of that balance includes getting involved with groups such as Fellowship for Christian Athletes. This has helped him find time for the social aspects of his life, while playing basketball and seeking a degree. "It is difficult, you have to be disciplined with your time. But that discipline has really taught me a lot about what it takes to be strong, and to have character."
Chall takes his responsibilities on the team very seriously. He understands how important it is to be a leader for the younger guys on the team. While he works hard and pushes his teammates during practice, it is also less noticeable actions, like leading the team in pre-game and post-game prayer, where Chall excels as a leader. "It has really brought us together and I really enjoy that aspect of our team. All the guys, win or lose, bow their heads and give thanks to the Lord. I have a lot of respect for guys who are willing to do that regardless of the circumstances...it's tough to do after losses though."
This is where Chall also contributes to the team, by bringing everyone together, making the team a family.
Perhaps the reason Chall understands his role so well and is able to be a leader on the team is because of the players who were mentors for him when he first came into the program. Chall smiles while he recalls former teammate Dusty Rychart. "He [Rychart] was definitely my mentor. He and I were good friends, we played a lot during the summer, in the gym, we had great battles one-on-one."
Rychart also taught him about leadership "He always knew what to say to encourage you, and he knew how things worked, he was a hard worker and a great guy to have around."
Chall also remembers former teammates J.B. Bickerstaff and Kevin Burleson as being leaders who taught him a lot about being part of a team.
While he admits that it's hard when teammates leave due to graduation or leavingto play professionally, Chall explains that "with any family, you want the best for your teammates. If it's in a guy's best interest to leave and that's what he wants to do, then as a family we'll support that decision. And we just deal with it, and that's what we've done."
As for the remainder of the season, Chall is excited to get the Big Ten season underway. "I love playing Michigan State and Indiana," Chall said. "Anytime you get a chance to play them, whether it's here or at their place, I love those games. There's so much excitement in the air, it's just great to be a part of it."
Chall's experience shines through again when he begins talking about how important Big Ten games are. "There's no way you can come into those games flat." A message that he must pass on to his teammates if the Gophers are going to compete for the Big Ten title this year.
When he does get the opportunity to play, Chall takes full advantage of it. "It's a great opportunity and I enjoy it. Sometimes however, the lack of activity for so long makes it difficult to get into the swing of things right away. Mentally I feel great, physically I feel pretty stiff. The body takes a few times up and down the court to get back into it."
Chall's four years at the University of Minnesota have been very productive athletically as well as academically. Speaking about being able to play basketball in his native state, Chall said "I really consider it a privilege, one of the things I really enjoy is that my family can come to all the games. Being close to home, playing for my home state...I'm very proud to be a Minnesota Gopher. I'm very privileged to have the opportunity to do it, it's been an incredible experience that obviously I will never forget." Chall also appreciates the opportunities that are available to him due to basketball. "Through basketball, God has opened up so many doors for me, it's been an amazing journey."
For now, Chall and the rest of the Gophers are getting prepared for several important non-conference games.There is no doubt Chall is playing an imperative role preparing his team for each game. Watch closely as the younger players develop throughout the season. More than likely Chall's experience and leadership will be a key factor in their development, as well as the team's development as a family. Chall's plan now is "just to enjoy my last year." He expects to graduate at the end of this year with his degree in mechanical engineering. He sums up his experience as a Golden Gopher stating simply "It's been an honor."
Written by Media Relations Student Assistant Kevin Morales. He welcomes comments at gophers@umn.edu.
