My Turn to Interview Chip Cirillo

Chip Cirillo interviewing NHL & Predators star forward Steve Sullivan in 2006

Chip Cirillo is the sportswriter for the Tennessean newspaper who covers Williamson County sports. Chip is the reporter who interviewed me and wrote the story about me. I wanted to ask him some questions and he said OK. 1. Who was your all-time favorite interview with? Probably Wayne Gretzky and Sammy Sosa. Most people say Gretzky is the greatest hockey player ever so that was really cool. I interviewed him after the morning skate one time when Phoenix played the Predators. I loved to watch him play during his hey day with Edmonton. Those teams were so good. I got to interview Sosa during an injury rehab in Jackson when he was with the Cubs. One of the guys from Jackson’s front office said it was like having a rock star in town. And, of course, he pulled up to the minor league ballpark in a white limo. Two other memorable interviews: one with a fireman from NYC who survived 9/11 and a Franklin man who narrowly survived the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. 2. What was your favorite sports event that you covered and wrote about? In 2001, I covered the NCAA Super Regional when an extra-inning homer vaulted Tennessee into the College World Series in Omaha. I got to interview USC’s Mark Prior at WCS. 3. Who would you most like to meet and interview someday? Michael Jordan. He’s the man. 4. Who are your favorite teams and athletes? Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks. Grew up in Chicago. I enjoy following all the teams in Nashville area. 5. If you could be a pro athlete in any sport what would it be? Probably football, baseball or hockey. Those are my favorite sports. I used to cover the Predators, who are friendly to deal with. 6. I just finished reading Summer Ball by Mike Lupica. I also read Travel Team and Heat by him. Do you have a favorite sports book? I Am Third by Gale Sayers. Best non-sports book: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Everyone should read that book. 7. Who is your favorite sportswriter (newspaper or magazine)? Ben Walker (AP sports writer), Chicago Tribune, Sports Illustrated.