Courtesy of LehighSports.com
By Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Sports Media Relations
Lehigh head men’s basketball coach Brett Reed prepares his players for success in the real world. He teaches life skills that translate well beyond Lehigh University.
John Ross Glover is the latest example.
A Jackson, Tennessee native and Lipscomb University transfer, Glover is spending this summer as an intern in the Nashville Mayor’s Office.
“I work as a legal intern in the Office of Innovation for Mayor Karl Dean,” said Glover. “I do a lot of research and writing for a plethora of projects. I have meetings with several corporate lawyers to discuss a cell tower lease and contract negotiation trying to be finalized in our city. I have also worked with the Department of Public Advocacy in trying to provide a program that offers alternative sentencing (rehab/treatment) to misdemeanor charges. I have flexible hours; some days I work from around 9:00 to 4:00 while other days only require 9:30 to 3:00 or 3:30.”
A Nashville lawyer and professor that he knows referred Glover to this internship. John Ross applied, interviewed and was offered the job near the end of March.
An English and Political Science major, the internship experience is in line with Glover’s academic major and career aspirations.
“It was always my intention for this to be an exploratory summer in which I could learn exactly what people with law degrees were doing in Metro Government,” he said.
The experience is unique, helping Glover establish connections which should prove valuable down the road.
“This internship has helped me establish a vast, resourceful network of important people in Nashville,” he said. “A lot of law is about who you know and this job has given me the opportunity to establish myself and meet a lot of people face-to-face. I have been able to build a strong relationship with the Director of Law in Nashville, Saul Solomon. I have learned many practical skills about working in political realms, but the most important aspect, to me, has been the invaluable connections.”
Due to the internship, Glover was unable to return to Lehigh’s campus for the second summer session (like several of his teammates), but he is working hard preparing for the upcoming season.
“I swim, do yoga and kickboxing to improve my physical conditioning,” he said. “On top of skill work and pickup, these activities have helped make me a better athlete on top of being a better basketball player. Plus, the kickboxing is a blast.”
Glover is itching to hit the court for the 2014-15 season. He practiced with the Mountain Hawks last year, but couldn’t play due to transfer rules. The 6-foot-4-inch Glover enjoyed a solid freshman season at Lipscomb in 2012-13, averaging 3.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game, including a career-high 16 points against USC Upstate.
“Sitting out was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do, especially when we would struggle,” said Glover, who is primarily a small forward, but has the versatility to play guard or power forward. “I knew I could help, and not being able to do something about it really takes a toll on you mentally as a competitive human being. However, it made me grow a hunger and appreciation for the game of basketball, something I feel I had long taken for granted.”
No game action did not mean a lack of work for Glover. The year of practice and preparation should pay dividends when he hits the floor in a college basketball game for the first time since his Lipscomb days.
“I was exhausted all the time last season because all I did was work,” he said. “I had no off days and no recovery days. Every day was a day to get better and I had to treat it that way. When the team was preparing for a big game the next day, I was working my tail off just like it was the offseason. I learned our system and now I’m ready.”
Glover is a great fit for Lehigh University and its emphasis on academics; John Ross is as an all-around student-athlete. He posted a 3.9 GPA in his first year at Lipscomb and it has translated to Lehigh, earning a spot on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, announced earlier this summer.
“I have a lot of pride in telling people I go to Lehigh,” said Glover. “I’ve probably met over 100 people this summer and they all want to know where I go to school. They always know Lehigh and give a nod of impressment. My supervisor, Yiaway Yeh (former mayor of Palo Alto), is an American University grad as well – just another Patriot League connection.”
There’s a lot of excitement for Lehigh’s season ahead. The Mountain Hawks lose the program’s all-time assist leader Mackey McKnight, but return a tremendous amount of experience to go with several reinforcements. Not only are there three talented freshmen joining the squad, but also Glover who has college experience, and a year of valuable experience practicing with the Mountain Hawks.
“I am beyond excited for this season to start,” he said. “I believe in this group of guys. I know a lot of people say that as a nice thing to say, or because they feel it sounds good, but I really believe it. There is a shared belief amongst each of us, a belief that we can do something special, which is exciting to be part of. I plan on bringing my all every day to help us reach that goal. I will bring energy and effort on every play.”
Even though he is yet to step foot on the court for gameday, Glover is already the epitome of a Lehigh student-athlete.
“This internship has been an extremely rewarding experience,” he said. “I value the friendships I have made, the lessons I have learned and the people I have met. Looking ahead to next summer, this experience will afford me the chance to segue into many great opportunities here and in Washington D.C. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in law-related professions.”
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