POCATELLO, Idaho- Hailing from Frankfurt, Germany,
Christian Marian has come to Idaho State and taken control of his future as a Bengal. Marian is making his name known in the Big Sky Conference, playing at the No. 1 position for ISU's men's tennis team. Marian has defeated multiple conference opponents including Portland State and conference rivals Weber State. Marian also defeated his opponent in the Bengals' first win since 2004 over Eastern Washington. His current singles record in the No.1 spot is 4-2.
Marian has grown up around the game of tennis from a young age and attributes his success and desire to improve his game to his uncle.
“My uncle was a big tennis player and he also works in the business," Marian said. "He organizes tournaments and things like that. My parents do not play but my older brother plays tennis and it was my uncle who gave me the desire to play.”
As Marian continued to grow in the game of tennis, the opportunity for him to play tennis and get an education in America presented itself. Marion visited Idaho State and liked what he saw.
“Everything here really impressed me,” Marian stated. “All the people were very nice and of course that is very important.”
After his visit, Marian's decision to come to ISU was easy for him.
“I chose ISU because I talked with the team and they told me about our coaches,” Marian said. “The training and the opportunity to practice here all really sounded great. I talked with the coaches and they were really nice. They gave me the best opportunity to train.”
To assist in his decision to come to Idaho State, Marian also spent time talking to other German students on campus.
“We have the same culture,” Marian said. “They told me only positive things about ISU. I thought if the German people liked it here than I would like it here.”
When Marian arrived, he decided to take on the difficult major of mechanical engineering to fulfill his dream of working for Mackenzie.
“It's really hard to combine education and tennis, especially studying something like mechanical engineering,” Marian said. “This is another reason why I chose ISU. The facilities are here on campus. All of the facilities are not far from my apartment and I can practice a lot. I don't have to drive anywhere. This is why I can combine a hard major with sports.”
As Marian starts to adapt to his new life in the states, he has noticed some difference between America and home.
“The food,” Marian says with a smile. “I really love the food here. I love eating so I really have to be careful. I love all of the chains and French fries. We have French fries in Germany but they are not the same as here. It's the biggest difference. It is what I love about the US but also may be a danger.”
Marian traveled many times in the past. He most recently lived in Spain for a couple months. So even though he misses his family, he says they are pretty used to him being gone.
“My family is used to it by now,” Marian said. “I love being in different places. Of course I miss my family but I also like it. I call them a couple of times a week, so I am still part of them.”
Marian is determined to do his best both on and off the court at Idaho State.
“I'm a hard worker,” Marian said. “I work hard to achieve all of my goals. As you can see on the tennis court, I practice a lot, I study a lot. I really do my best to reach my goals.”
Marian and the rest of the men's tennis team take the week off before facing Sacramento State Sunday, March 17 in Reed Gym. The match is slated to begin at 3 p.m. The Bengals will be looking for their first win over the Hornets since the 2004 Big Sky Tournament.
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