Q&A with Normal Community HS basketball player Owen Pogge
NORMAL, Ill. — Owen Pogge is the third member of his family to play basketball for Normal Community High School. After recovering from a knee injury as a freshman, Pogge is looking forward to a full senior season with the Ironmen.
What is your favorite thing about being on the basketball court?
Owen Pogge: Feeling the adrenaline rush of being on the court with my teammates and trying to play my best to win the game.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Pogge: I like to hang out and chill with my family, especially when my brothers are home. I also like hanging out with my friends and watching sports.
When you close your eyes and dream about your future, what does that look like?
Pogge: When I close my eyes and envision my future, I see myself going to college and then getting a job that I enjoy. But for now, I’m trying to make the most of my senior year.
You had a knee injury as a freshman. What happened and how did you handle the adversity?
Pogge: I tore my ACL and MCL in a fall basketball league before the start of the school season. The injury was devastating, but I took that time to build back stronger and refined my game.
Ask someone in your family to pick one word to describe you. Who did you pick and what word did they use?
Pogge: I asked my oldest brother, Ethan. He chose the word gritty, because I overcame my ACL injury and put a lot of work into becoming a better player.
As an athlete, what is a rule you live by?
Pogge: Be coachable and always go 100 percent when you’re on the floor. I also strive to be the best teammate I can be and try to lead by example.
What jersey number do you wear and why?
Pogge: I wear No. 3, as I’m the third brother to play for NCHS.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from basketball?
Pogge: I’ve learned how to win humbly and when we’ve lost, I’ve learned from my mistakes. I’ve also learned that working as a team, your attitude and effort is contagious.
Both of your brothers played basketball at Normal Community. Ethan graduated in 2016 and Evan graduated in 2019. What are your pickup games like?
Pogge: Our pickup games are always extremely competitive, but they’ve also helped me gain skills while hanging with my brothers. The games either end with me closely winning or getting blown out.
How would you describe your personality?
Pogge: I’m funny yet hardworking. I’m respectful and caring towards my friends and family.
What is your favorite meal and who makes it?
Pogge: My favorite meal is my mom’s Philly cheesesteak sandwich and also breakfast every day that she makes.
If you could be good at any other sport (besides basketball), which sport would it be and why?
Pogge: Baseball, because I miss playing it, and I loved hanging in the dugout with my teammates.
You’re in the car alone. What are you listening to?
Pogge: Either country music or 2010-’15 rap.
What is your plan after high school?
Pogge: I plan to attend college at either Illinois State or University of Iowa. I’m thinking about majoring in construction management, accounting or civil engineering.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Pogge: I’ve made a few turnovers during the games, but I have learned to put my mistakes in the past and work harder for the next play.
How can we find you on social media?
Pogge: My Instagram and Twitter are both @owen_pogge. My SnapChat is Owenhph
What is your pregame routine?
Pogge: I like to show up at least an hour before the game and get myself focused and ready. I try to stay calm and think about the scouting report before the game. Before I run out on the floor, I take a second to think about my family.
What is your favorite memory from high school, on or off the field?
Pogge: My favorite memory from high school would be during my junior year when we went to Rockton for a tournament. We spend the night in a hotel and I have fun hanging out with the team.
What is your favorite part of basketball practice? Least favorite?
Pogge: My favorite part would be spending time with my friends, working hard together and having fun. My least favorite part would be running with the heavy ball if I made a mistake.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Pogge: The best piece of advice I’ve received would be to go hard in all that I do and give my best effort.
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