Meet the New Writer: Dean Mullen

Thanks for joining us Dean. I know you are new to the KU sports scene. Why did you decide to join the wild world of KU sports?

I decided to get involved with Kansas sports because I’m wanting to get connected with the area. Also, Les Miles coached at LSU for awhile.

Where did you grow up? What was your family like as a kid?

I grew up in a suburb outside of New Orleans in Kenner. My family owned a restaurant called La Maisonette. They restored an old building about 100 years old. I was the dishwasher by hand. Definitely don’t miss those huge pots coming in.

Where did you go to college?

I graduated from the University of New Orleans and went back to get my masters degree about 10 years later at Keller Graduate School.

What is your writing background like?

As far as my writing, it started about five years ago. I hated writing in college and had no desire to be a writer. I woke up one day and started a blog on everyday life. Someone contacted me about doing some sports writing. With little experience, the editor of the site left. I then took over and ran with it. I decided that what I wanted was credentials for the New Orleans Saints. With no blueprint to follow or any mentors, I pretty much showed up at the Saints office and requested them. After getting denied a few times they let me in. That’s when everything changed overnight. Being behind the ropes and asking Drew Brees questions seemed surreal. But I gained confidence after awhile. It took plenty of mistakes and hard work for sure. But somehow I believed I belonged after a full season.

What do you do for work?

I work for the Internal Revenue Service. That was the reason I ended up in KC. Last year I worked through early September. However, with the shutdown last year we are still trying to catch up. Maybe by November this year.

I know you relocated to the KC area from New Orleans. I’m sure our members will give you plenty of advice on where to find the best bbq. What will you miss the most about New Orleans?

I miss the people the most from New Orleans. The good thing is my job is seasonal so I do have the opportunity to go back if we can finish our work this year on time.

Any hobbies, interests, or anything else we might not know about you

Besides writing of course I like to adventure to find new areas here. I play a bit of computer golf, walk my dog, and eat. Still trying to lose those 15-20 pounds! Trying to get back on the golf course.

Lightning Round

Age: 47

Height: 5’9’

Where do you live: I live in downtown Kansas City

Facial hair: none

Any pets: Chihuahua/Terrier named Damon

What kind of car do you drive: Drive a Nissan Versa

Corrective lenses: I need glasses

Hair style: Hair just slicked back with good gel

Favorite movie: Rocky I

Favorite tv show: Seinfeld

Favorite beer or thing to drink: I like a good wine - white or red

Favorite band: Pearl Jam

Favorite food: I love oysters (raw, fried, grilled, poboy)

Favorite non KU team: Tulane is my favorite football team. Univ. Of New Orleans is basketball

All time favorite KU player: Loved Paul Pierce

First concert: First concert was Diana Ross.

First w-2 job: Sears hardware department

Best athlete seen play live: Tiger Woods

Favorite dinosaur when you were a kid: T-rex of course

Is a hot dog a sandwich: No a hot dog is not a sandwich

Was Tyshawn right to dunk: Yes Tyshawn should have dunked!