player of the week – Houghton STAR

Mary Strand was recently honored with the title of NCCAA Female Track and Field Athlete of the Week. Each week the NCCAA decides on one student athlete from a number of recognized schools to represent the accomplishments within that particular sport. The recipient of the title exemplifies quality performances as well as Christian ideals.

Strand set the new school record for the 200 meters, 4×200 meter relay, and qualified for NCCAA Nationals in the 400 meter during a competition at Brockport State Invitational. At Nationals, held at Indiana Wesleyan University, Strand helped the relay team beat the school record again and placed individually with her best time of the season.

Strand, a sophomore, has been participating in track and field since seventh grade. Although she is mostly a sprinter, she has also trained in other areas and was even part of last year’s JV soccer team.

While Strand is appreciative of this award, she said she will continue to stay focused. Strand said that while running, “you push yourself as far as you can go and then you push yourself further.”
Strand attributes her success to the support of her coach and team. Her captain, Sarah Munkittrick, said there is a lot to learn from Strand, describing her as a hard worker and a perfectionist who still remains humble. Munkittrick also said that Strand “not only pushes the team to work harder but also brings them together.”

Track and field coach, Matthew Dougherty, said those honored with the title of Athlete of the Week are great performers, tremendous athletes and talented individuals, with Mary Strand possessing all of these qualities. Dougherty defined Strand as someone who has strong motivation paired with a ferocity most would not expect, allowing her to achieve anything she sets her mind to.

Strand plans on practicing just as hard in order to continually get better and achieve more later on in meets both as an individual and as a team. Dougherty said that Strand’s position on the team is “integral in terms of chemistry,” helping to inspire others through her talent and fun attitude.

Strand is excited to begin the outdoor track and field season, having used these recent experiences as a preparation phase. She expects to practice and compete with the same determination, progressively challenging herself. Dougherty said that Strand’s disposition is one of a “driven and focused individual who is strong spiritually, academically, and athletically.”

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.”