By Nick John, USF Athletics Communications
Besides being the University of South Florida's top men's cross country runner, junior Phillip Wise plays the drums like a rock star... well, sort of.
If you've read his bio page on GoUSFBulls.com, you would already know that. However, they're not the drums that you might think. Wise, who will lead USF back into his hometown of Gainesville this weekend to take part in the Mountain Dew Invitational, says that he doesn't know how to play the real drums, but rather those in the Rock Band video game.
Wise claims it was more of a sarcastic joke between friends when he put that in his profile. So, does that mean the rest of his profile is one big prank?
According to him, the rest of the hobbies listed on his page are indeed true; he likes to cook, fish, dance and listen to music. The Buchholz High School graduate says that he enjoys rock and alternative bands, mentioning Slightly Stoopid, Pepper and Taking Back Sunday among his favorites.
Along with playing Rock Band and listening to music, Wise also explored various majors before recently settling in on Criminology. He said that he chose the major because of an elective course he took, which piqued his interest in the subject enough to switch majors.
In addition to his hobbies and academic requirements away from running, Assistant Cross Country Coach Dena Reif has seen his skills on the course improve dramatically. Even though Wise has been the top men's runner since he arrived in 2008, Reif has witnessed his progression and is expecting an outstanding season from Wise, who finished 11th at last weekend's BIG EAST preview.
That prospect is why she is looking forward to this weekend's Invitational in Wise's hometown. He knows the area, and has raced the course twice before this weekend, making this an opportunity to see just how much his skills have elevated.
As for Wise himself, he can't wait to race at the UF Golf Course. He says racing in front of his family and friends gives him extra motivation.
So, whether or not he can actually play the drums in real life, when Wise goes back to his hometown to race on Saturday, he can still feel like a rock star.
