The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Going the distance: A-to-Z with David Maroul
04.26.2005 | Baseball
A is for the Air Force
David's father, John, retired from the service when David was in the fourth grade. After retiring, his dad became a pilot for Southwest Airlines and even surprised David and his teammates when he flew their plane to the College World Series last June. If the Longhorns continue their winning ways this season, Mr. Maroul may need to schedule a mid-June flight to Omaha again this year.
B is for the Back Forty
If David had a million dollars, the first thing he would buy would be a house way out in the country. He does not require a Texas address, though staying in the Lone Star State would be a plus. His new quarters would be the perfect answer to the happy, easy-going life he wants to lead.
C is for Chance Wheeless
The Texas third-baseman admits that his infield cohort, first baseman Chance Wheeless, is the funniest player on the team. The jokester is also a mainstay at the apartment David shares with Robby Hudson, Dooley Prince and Nick Peoples. Though he doesn't pay the bills, David considers Chance a "welcomed addition."
D is for Dr. Pepper
For a quick caffeine fix, the first thing David grabs is an ice-cold, Dr. Pepper. He proudly admits that he drinks as many as he can get his hands on. Wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too?
E is for Eight
After transferring from Grayson County College, David chose to don the number four at Texas. This year, with the vacancy of the number eight by former Longhorn Curtis Thigpen, he chose to return to his Western Hills High School tradition of sporting the number eight. Hmm ... a legendary Baltimore Orioles third baseman with that number comes to mind ...
F is for Fryer
Except for the occasional spaghetti and Hamburger Helper, David is not one to cook. However, he did receive a deep fryer for Christmas and has learned to make some pretty tasty fried chicken. When not frying chicken, David will take second helpings of fettuccini alfredo from the Olive Garden and resident chef Nick Peoples' pork chops, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese.
G is for Golf Ball Juggling
From hunting to fishing to boating on the lake, David enjoys spending his spare time outdoors. In fact, while spending an occasional afternoon on the golf course, David discovered a new talent: juggling golf balls with a golf club.
H is for Homer Simpson
Doh! David claims that his all-time favorite television show is The Simpsons, and incidentally, his favorite television character is the power plant worker from Springfield. His dumb and funny antics get this fan laughing after a long day of school and sport.
I is for Ice Cream
Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie "Doh!" (excuse the cheesy reference to Homer Simpson) are David's favorite kinds of ice cream. He picks up a pint at his favorite spot on the Forty Acres: the Cypress Bend store at San Jacinto Residence Hall.
J is for Jackson Hole
Once an avid snowboarder, David would love to travel to this Wyoming destination to check out the slopes. But don't worry Coach Garrido; your hot corner will not risk a slip in the snow until after his baseball career is over.
K is for Kind
Many of his teammates say that David is one of the nicest guys that you will meet. His quiet demeanor and willingness to help out a friend are only two of the qualities that make him a team favorite.
L is for the Lone Longhorn
Originally, Austin may not have been the first choice of the places to visit for the Maroul family. After all, David's father, brother and sister all graduated from Texas A&M University. Fortunately for Longhorns fans, the family, in support of David, has exchanged their maroon gear for Burnt Orange attire - boy, does that new hue look great!
M is for Maintenance Man
The crib is sure to get messy in an apartment full of boys. Lucky for his roommates, one of David's roles in the pad is as a Mr. Fix-It. He remains neutral and says that the other three (and Chance) are "equally messy." Like a great friend, he says he doesn't mind tidying up after them.
N is for New York City
The Big Apple is one of David's favorite vacation spots. The summer after graduating from high school, David and three of his friends headed north to the city that never sleeps. His favorite part was watching the Texas Rangers play the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Even though one of his friends ate a bad hot dog at the game and they only got to see one inning, the experience is one David will never forget.
O is for "One" by Metallica
David enjoys all genres of music, but heavy metal really strikes a chord. Metallica is his favorite band and this 1988 single is at the top of his play list. Coming in a close second is "Fistful of Steel" by Rage Against the Machine, which happens to be the song playing when he steps up to the plate at Disch-Falk Field.
P is for Pothole
At the age of 15, David started his first job, which was working for the City of Benbrook. He performed a lot of manual labor by driving around and fixing potholes as well as paving sidewalks. With his studies in Geography, I wonder if he could pinpoint the locations of those potholes and sidewalks ...
Q is for the Quirky Napoleon Dynamite
Not one to dress up for Halloween, David decided to start a new tradition of sporting a costume this past October 31st. Because he enjoyed the Indie hit so much, he chose to "go geek" and sport the full get-up: vintage tee, tight Wranglers, snow boots and glasses. With his then-grown out curly mop, he stole the show, especially when reciting his favorite line: "Tina, you fat lard, come get some dinner!"
R is for Reliever
Don't be confused when you see "RHP" next to his name on the Texas roster. In addition to third base and shortstop, David also saw action as a pitcher in high school, working mainly in relief. He made his Texas pitching debut on May 29, 2004, against Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament by striking out five over two scoreless innings. He enjoys the control that you have on the mound and looks forward to seeing some time as a pitcher in the future.
S is for Screech Powers
"Well, I wake up in the morning, and the alarm gives out a warning, and I don't think I'll ever make it on time ..." Because of his curly hair, the team has given David the nickname "Screech." He does not seem to mind, as long as the hair is the only similarity. And we'll leave it at that.
T is for Third Baseman Eric Chavez
David's favorite Major League baseball player is Oakland Athletics' Eric Chavez. The three-time American League Golden Glove winner is someone this Longhorn models his defensive game after. Additionally, if you happen to catch Chavez and the A's in action, be sure to flash your "Hook 'Em" to former Longhorn All-American and current A's reliever Huston Street.
U is for an Unusual Hurry to do things
Not out of a fear of being late, David is still always in a hurry to do something or nothing as his friends say. This comes as a surprise from a guy who loves to relax and lounge around. Maybe all that rushing accounts for more time later to relax. I might have to try that ...
V is for Video Game
The word around Disch-Falk Field is that David is the man to beat in the Nintendo Game Cube edition of Mario Kart. When he and his roommates take to the tube for a game or two, things tend to turn competitive. Although he admits that his friends have improved, there is no stopping David as Toad.
W is for Wrangler
David's first car was a white Jeep Wrangler with a soft, black top. Though it was "only" a four-cylinder automatic, David has great memories cruising the streets of Benbrook in his very first ride.
X is for Chicken EXpress
The thing David misses most about his hometown of Benbrook is the Sweet Tea from Chicken Express. The closest franchise shares its home with the Baylor Bears, so whenever he takes I-35 north back to Benbrook, Waco cannot come soon enough.
Y is for Young
David gives his "Favorite UT Athlete" award to the one and only Vince Young. The quarterback's quickness and agility are unstoppable and after that Rose Bowl performance, the Heisman is at his fingertips. I wonder who the Maroul family will be rooting for come November: Vince or (Texas A&M quarterback) Reggie (McNeal)?
Z is for Zero to 60 (in less than four seconds!)
If David could drive any car, he would choose the new Dodge Viper. Its sleek and sporty frame as well as incredible speed would be quite the upgrade from his current Ford F-150 ride.
