Oklahoma State University Athletics
Meet a Cowboy Tennis Player: Artie Burmistrau
February 09, 2007 | Cowboy Tennis
Artsem Burmistrau is a senior on the Oklahoma State tennis team who hails from Minsk, Belarus. He joined the program as a sophomore in 2005. In his first two season as a Cowboy, O-State has hosted an NCAA regional in Stillwater. Burmistrau also gets it done in the classroom as evident by his Academic All-Big 12 selection last season. The senior has played all over the lineup in his first two seasons and is also a solid doubles player. Last season, he teamed with Tomas Bohunicky to win the Big 12 championship at No. 2 doubles. Going into this season, Burmistrau has only lost 12 singles matches in the spring as a Poke.
In this edition of Meet a Cowboy, Burmistrau talks about returning to the Indoor Championships in Chicago, the potential of this year's team and his success on the court and in the classroom.
When did you start playing tennis?
I was six.
Who has the greatest impact on your career?
It would probably be my parents. My grandma was actually the first one to take me to practice.
How has coach Wadley helped your career?
He is great off the court and on the court. If you have any problem he will help you. He can be strict but he just wants you take care of business. I am okay with that.
Do you have a pre match ritual?
No not really. I just like to warm up and play.
Best venue to play out?
I really like to play indoors. We are going to Chicago (Midtown Tennis Club) and we have been there before. That place is real nice place and I am looking forward to playing there.
How do you unwind after a match?
I like to get something to eat and maybe sleep. I just like to relax.
Who do you look forward to playing the most?
Not really, I like to play any team that is ranked ahead of us. That is how you get better.
Why did you chose OSU?
Actually, when I transferred here I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I did not know a lot about OSU but I have to say I was lucky. I really like it here.
You were an Academic All-Big 12 selection last season, how important are academics to you?
It is very important. The further I go along the more important it gets. My english is getting better which helps me get better grades. It is my last year playing so next season I will focus all my attention on studying.
You have had a lot of success in doubles, what makes a good doubles player in your opinion?
I think the main thing is I just like to play doubles. When I was growing up we only had four courts in the winter so I had to play a lot of doubles. That has a lot to do with it.
You have played all over the lineup in your career, do you like being a guy that coach Wadley can stick anywhere and be comfortable?
I do not care where I play. Coach will always ask be before but I will play where ever he wants me to.
In your first season at OSU you guys went to the National Indoor Championships in Chicago, you will back there in a week as a senior, are you excited?
It is a good trip because every match is against one of the best teams in the country. Last time we went we had a good tournament but I think this year we have a better chance.
What are your goals for this team?
I want to win the Big 12 championship. Since I have been here I think this is our best chance to do that. We have a lot of good guys on this team we just need to get healthy.
One word to describe Cowboy tennis.
Progress. When players come here they always get better.
Favorite movie
Pulp Fiction or Shawshank Redemption
Favorite food
Russian food, home made
Most competitive on the team
Jason Wright
Biggest eater
I think it has to be me
Funniest
Yevgen (Bondarchuk)
Biggest trash talker
Daniel (Byrnes)
