THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 10, 1995 TAG: 9503100059
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GROOVY SAPIEN
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, CAMPUS CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Long : 101 lines
WHILE MOST of her girlfriends spent last summer working and hanging on the beach, Kortney O'Brian was at school taking apart 98 helmets, priming, spray-painting, lacquering and reassembling them.
Kortney, manager of Cox High School's football team, wasn't bummed about it. She made lots of new friends - mostly guys - and liked working with them so much, she volunteered to manage the boys' basketball team this season.
``They really can be sensitive sometimes,'' she said.
When she's not near the court, Kortney, 18, can be found lifting weights or teaching Spanish to students at Trantwood Elementary School.
My full, entire, birth name: Kortney Laine O'Brian
I was born: January, 14, 1977, in Norfolk
Job: Basketball manager and volunteer Spanish teacher
Bros and sistas: Benjamin, 16, and Kelly, 21
Educationally speaking, I am . . . a senior at Cox High School (hoping to go to JMU in the fall).
My school in three words: Clique-ish, spacey (everyone's out there), prison-like.
The killer day means . . . no deadlines, a hot day, football buddies, Mountain Dew, a deck of cards and just ``chillin'.'' Being with people who share the same interests and know how to make good jokes is the best kind of relaxation for me.
Boy, I was pretty smart when . . . I wrapped everyone's Christmas presents before I told them what I got them. I can't keep a secret.
But I sure felt like an idiot after . . . I spent a day with a guy friend while my boyfriend was hunting. When we finally met up with my boyfriend, he punched my guy friend in the face. We're not very good friends anymore.
When I have a crazy midnight snack craving, I want . . . a seafood enchilada and fried ice cream from Chi-Chi's.
My personal oscars go to: ``The Shining,'' ``Legend,'' ``Ace Ventura: Pet Detective''
The song of the century is: ``Hotel California'' by the Eagles
The grooviest musical artist is: Stone Temple Pilots
When I don't have anything else to do, I'm . . . crabbing and fishing (summer) and weight lifting (winter).
Best date I've had: Jimmie McKenzie took me to dinner at The Reef and then we went for a walk on the beach. We always have so much fun together. The person made it the best date, not what we did.
And the worst? My ex-boyfriend and I went to Denny's. I paid and the food was greasy.
If I could change one thing about me I . . . would be more organized. My room looks like a tornado hit it.
I wish my parents . . . would travel and leave me at home sometimes.
The best place for mouth-watering chow is: Olive Garden
I love shopping at: Wal-Mart
The ultimate night on the town would include: a casual dinner, a movie and a walk around Waterside.
I make special arrangements to watch. . . NFL Football. When I have time, I like to watch ``Seinfeld,'' ``Coach'' and ``Gilligan's Island.''
The last time I had a vacation . . . I spent three days in Hatteras (boring) and three days in Nags Head (men everywhere).
My best job: Kids coach at Discovery Zone
And the worst: Bagging bread at Food 4 Less
I can easily brag about . . . being a member of the Spanish Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Who's Who in 1995 (high school) and being considered for National Honor Society. I don't like to boast - I'm just glad that I still have my sanity.
In 10 years, I'd like to be. . . the manager of a small construction business.
If I could change one thing in America I would . . . change the technicality laws in courtrooms because people get off the hook from serious crimes.
My heroes are: common people. Hollywood is not the land of my heroes and role models. My mom is a heroine and Jim Prince (former Cox football coach) is an inspiration.
I am totally unique because: I'm a good listener.
What makes you mad? When you trust someone and that person turns around, stabs you in the back and takes you for everything you're worth. Most teenage boys (with hormonal surges). Thieves and liars.
If a film were made about your life, what would be the dramatic turning point? When I was in ninth grade, I started being somebody. I emerged from the crowd. I joined all kinds of clubs, made all kinds of friends and never had a spare moment. I went to a party and chose not to drink the ``brew,'' nor did I ``fire it up'' (smoke pot). When I left, I heard people talking; they admired the fact that I could have fun without alcohol or drugs.
Who would star in it? i would have to star in it because I don't think anyone else could imitate me. Brad Pitt, however, can play all the other parts.
I should be a veejay on MTV because. . . They need a normal person on there.
If I was a guest on a talk show, it would be: Montel Williams.
My life summed up in four words: Busy, confusing, frustrating, rewarding. MEMO: Holly Wester is a sophomore at Virginia Wesleyan College. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
CHARLIE MEADS/Staff
Senior Kortney O'Brien manages the boys basketball team at Cox.
by CNB