Jan. 11, 2011

By Samantha Franz
Athletic Communications Contributor

Everybody has different reasons for choosing a particular college. For some, it's the allure of being away from home while for others, it's where family members have attended for generations. But for Tom Biljan, who suited up for the Oakland University baseball team from 1996-98, he couldn't resist the voice of the man on the radio.

"I remember when I was looking at colleges and I heard a radio commercial that described Oakland as the `Harvard of the Midwest' and that was pretty appealing because I wanted academics to come first and baseball second," Biljan said. "Also, staying close to home and having mom and dad be able to watch me play baseball was a priority."

With his decision made, Biljan became part of a unique college experience, with Oakland making the transition between Division II and Division I athletics.

"It was challenging at times but we still had fun and it was great to be a part of the program as it evolved," he said. "Like my freshman year, we drove a van all the way down to Florida. By my sophomore year, we were flying. I made some close friendships, too, and being at Oakland was definitely one of the best times of my life."

Upon his graduation with degree in human resource development, Biljan traded the baseball field for the automotive industry, earning a management position just one year out of college. Biljan always had an interest in the insurance industry, however, and in 2006, his wife at the time introduced him to coworker of hers, who was none other than a fellow Oakland baseball alumni, Brad Morenko (2001-04).

"I was soon working with him at State Farm, which spring boarded me into my management position at Farm Bureau Insurance," Biljan said. "It's a great job because it allows me to work on my own schedule, reach out to the community and meet a variety of new people."

When Biljan thinks of his current success, he always brings it back to OU, where it all began.

"Looking at it now, I know I went to the right school, did the right things and everything panned out," he said. "I have no complaints and I hear nothing but good things about Oakland when I talk to other people. There is definitely that sense of pride and ownership from being an Oakland graduate. Now, I go to Oakland games and Tracy Huth thanks me personally for coming. I never thought I would have an athletic director thanking me when I should be thanking Oakland for everything they have done for me."

When he's not working, Biljan and his wife travel with a U-18 baseball team for eight weeks out of the year and he sees these players as members of his own family and gives advice about college accordingly.

"I always tell my kids that those four years will be the best years of your life," he said. "It goes by very quickly, so don't ever take it for granted. If you strike out, there's always another at bat. If you drop a ball, you will be able to make it up in the next play. Don't dwell on the little things too much and just enjoy the experience."

-OAKLAND-