If there are two things that seem to be unanimously attributed to senior Mark O’Brien, it’s his athletic dedication and the strength of his character, both of which are apparent on the basketball court.
Teammate Michael Ball commended O’Brien’s persistence and work ethic. “Mark is always one of the first guys in the gym and one of the last to leave the gym. He has impressed me with the amount of things he has on his plate and how he handles the many different things that he is involved with here on campus,” said Ball.
Teammate Seth Shay added, “For the past four years, Mark has been a go-to player for the men’s basketball team and has set a very good example for the younger guys. Houghton College will miss his high level of play and his incredible leadership skills. I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate, and a better friend.”
Coach Drew Hannan agreed with Ball and Shay’s appraisals and added to Mark’s list of qualities “leader” and “competitor.” “The hope is with any player you’ll see development in athletic skill,” said Hannan, “but Mark really took ownership of the program and what we are trying to accomplish. He stepped into a leadership role with the guys looking to him for direction and I think that has really helped him blossom as a player, being at that level on a daily basis.”
Hannan also commented that Mark’s character has been noticed by people who do not practice with him. “Mark is always one of the first guys to step up and volunteer when someone needs something done,” whether that be service related or manual labor, said Hannan. “His effect and personality go beyond himself” in a positive and inspiring way that Hannan best described as “infectious.”
“Playing on the team for four years has helped me grow a lot and gain perspective both on life and athletics,” said O’Brien. “It’s taught me to compete, be a good teammate, be a good friend and work hard every day, even if I sense things aren’t going the way I want them to. It’s really grown me up.”
Though O’Brien admits to occasional obstacles in motivation, leadership, and performance, he has demonstrated his ability to “work through adversity” and to “really care” enough to continually expend himself to his full potential for the good of the team.
O’Brien said that what he has enjoyed most about college basketball is his teammates. “They’re my buddies, my best friends, they’re hilarious, and I love hanging out with them outside of practice,” said O’Brien. “Doing what we do isn’t easy and a lot is demanded of us, but I’m proud of my teammates and wouldn’t trade them for anything. It takes strong people to keep fighting.”
After he graduates, O’Brien said he will miss the rest of his team as well as the competition and “just being around basketball.” Although O’Brien’s main postgraduate pursuit is business, he hopes to coach some day.
“I hope to see him do big things,” said Hannan. “He’s been nothing but successful since he came to Houghton and there’s no reason to expect anything different in the future.” Hannan described the best way to quantify O’Brien by quoting a man in charge of parking whom O’Brien volunteered to assist. “He’s one of the best.”