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Justin Junck graduated in 2003 from East High School in Sioux City, Iowa. After playing college tennis for one season at Nebraska, where he played No. 5 and 6 singles and No. 1 doubles, Junck transferred to Western Illinois, where he played at the top of the lineup his last three years, earning Mid-Con All-Conference honors.

Harry Cicma of NBC Sports asked Junck a few questions about his experience at WIU - and about advice he has for junior players. Check it out ...

Questions and Answers

Former Western Illinois standout Justin Junck

Justin Junck (JJ): I enjoyed the competition, and it was great to hang out with all the guys on the team. They are still some of my best friends.

HC: Do you have any advice for today's junior tennis players?

JJ: I would tell them to work hard on the courts and in the weight room. I would also tell them to run about three to five miles at least three times a week. With hard work and practice, you can get to the top!

HC: How did college tennis prepare you for life after college?

JJ: Honestly, I think the grind of college tennis does a great job of preparing you. Many of the things I learned on the tennis team and in college - especially in terms of time management skills and working hard for my goals - translate directly to life. Having a "real-life job" can be a grind at times, and my college days has prepared me to get the most from my time.

HC: What is your best memory from your playing days?

JJ: The memory that stands out for me is making the NCAA Tournament and playing our first match against the University of Illinois. I played against Kevin Anderson - who is now ranked really high professionally - and I remember I was serving at 4-4, 40-15 in the first set. I ended up losing that set 6-4, and we did not finish that match since they won four points to win the match. That match was memorable.

HC: What are you up to now?

JJ: Things are great! I just got engaged and have two daughters. My youngest is brand new - just a month old - and my daughter is now two. I'm working at Wells Blue Bunny and still teaching tennis

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About Harry Cicma

He is co-founder and host of World Tennis a weekly tennis show on NESN, and host of of Tennis Live Radio's College Corner.

Cicma competed as a junior in USTA/New England and went on to play college tennis at Rutgers University. As a professional, Cicma competed at the ATP Newport tournament and the San Jose Siebel Open. He reached a career-high #75 in the ATP doubles team rankings and #1262 in the ATP Entry System.

In media, Cicma has run the gamut. He has worked for NBC, CBS, ABC, ESPN, FOX Sports Net, the Tennis Channel, and World Team Tennis. Cicma has announced NCAA sports as well as the US Open Tennis Championships on both TV and radio.