Andrew Worm
Staff Reporter
It’s not only because of his six-foot-eight frame that people around campus are looking up to him.
Its also because of his countless solid abilities that has led to senior Josh McKay being named as captain of the 2008-2009 men’s basketball team.
McKay, a business major born and raised in Baltimore, has spent much of his life as a leader for his teammates on the hardwood. By being elected captain during youth travel basketball, and later in high school basketball, McKay finds his past experiences extremely beneficial, giving him the ability to react positively in situations that he may have seen before.
McKay’s commitment to the team can be attributed to his love for the game. Spending nearly four hours each day between practice, rehabilitation, and lifting, McKay was the perfect fit for the captain role.
Leadership and athleticism seem to run in the McKay family as both his parents played basketball at the collegiate level. McKay remembers many one-on-one games with his parents growing up in which he always dreamed of being in the position he is now. Now he sits in the captain role of a team that lost two players from last year’s squad, and is arguably one of the best the school has seen in 25 years.
While there are multiple benefits to becoming a captain, McKay could also be the center of controversy when handling captain duties. He says, “If something goes wrong within the team you are responsible?it’s a lot more on your shoulders than if you are just one of the guys as I have been the last couple years.”
Because the importance of good leadership is so high, McKay will share the captain’s role with teammates Richard “Buggy” Barry and Steve Wilson. “You have to be a leader on and off the court, you have to work hard and do everything that is asked of you,” said Wilson. McKay exhibits multiple positive characteristics that led to him being appointed a captain of the squad, added Wilson.
Although basketball has been his passion throughout life, McKay saw his career flash in front of his eyes when he hit the court during a team practice in March of 2007. “I didn’t realize how my body would heal or how bad the injury was and I became worried about my basketball future,” said McKay when asked about his initial reaction to the injury.
Later diagnosed to be a ACL tear, which normally requires 9 months to a year’s worth of rest and therapy, has been reduced to seven months due to his ability to work hard and fulfill his dream to play his fourth and final year for the Green Terror. “It is a testament to his work ethic because he is already back and practicing with the team,” says terror head basketball coach Kevin Curley.
“Having Josh back on the floor will be a big asset for our basketball team this season by providing an inside scoring threat as well as a big rebounder” commented Barry.
McKay averaged 6 points and just over 3 boards in his Junior season that dates back to 2006-2007.
“When you have a passion that must come to an end for a year it’s devastating, so being able to get back on the court with my teammates will be a relief,” said McKay when asked about the emotions he may feel when he is finally able to contribute to his team.
“He could have very easily decided that it would have been too much work to come back from last year’s injury. However, he has shown his commitment, his love of the game and loyalty to his teammates,” said Curley.
Senior teammate Chad Arrington may have said it best when he commented that, “Division three athletics are about love of the game and Josh is a pure example.”