I’ve been procrastinating writing this for a while because it is another reminder that my time as a Penn State student-athlete has come to an end.
I have grown immensely during my four years at The Pennsylvania State University; I grew so much that I just used the word “immensely” but not quite enough to fully master procrastination... Nonetheless, I’m honored to be able to share some insight on my journey as a Nittany Lion and to say THANK YOU to a lot of special people.
My PSU adventure started like any other student. I was a bright-eyed kid showing up to campus not knowing what to expect. Overwhelmed with picking classes, moving into the dorms, meeting new friends, plugging school building names into Google Maps and even wearing my complimentary Penn State lanyard around my neck so I wouldn’t lose my dorm key. Here’s where I got off the beaten path and had athletically-influenced responses: (1) Chase Berger was my mentor and sat down with me to pick a manageable class schedule. (2) I showed up to college with two duffel bags and a pillow – moving in was easy. (3) My teammates were instantly my family. (4) No help here. I would sometimes follow tour groups in the fall of my freshman year to get the lay of the land. (5) Lastly, Chris Funkey and Alec Marsh made it clear that the lanyard around the neck look was not cool and to “stop embarrassing the program.” Great, all those boxes are checked, I was set. I was ready for Penn State and all it had to offer.
Hockey had been my entire life, and for the first time, I finally felt I had a platform. The culture at Penn State encouraged and supported me to try something new while given this stage. Throughout my years here, I became involved in different clubs and organizations. No need for details, but I was challenged to expand my thinking and develop new connections.
- Keith Embray & Liz Johnson: You both need more recognition! The programs you run, the lessons you teach and the leadership/excellence you demand are invaluable. It’s been an honor getting to know and work with both of you so closely.
- Friends from these groups: I loved getting to know each of you and look forward to following your impressive careers ahead. True leaders in everything imaginable, it is a pleasure to be among you.
Now moving to hockey and all that has come from it. I could go on for a long time here, but I’m also having trouble finding the words. So how about this; I’ll skip over the usual covered material found in interviews, statistics or Penn State Hockey posts. For example, “It feels really good to score an overtime winner,” or that Liam Folkes is a Badger killer and the hero of Penn State Hockey. Instead, I want to share nine (yes, like my number) behind-the-scenes events that make putting on this jersey so special.
- Bachelor Mondays: A weekly event you could not miss. With many viewing parties taking place, a decent group of us would make our way over to Evan Bell’s house with a variety of snacks. No talking, cell phone or homework allowed while the show is on or you would kindly be asked to leave. There was always a weekly battle to arrive early to find your seat, but you could bet Liam Folkes and Brandon Biro had already stolen them which meant another night of laying on the floor. This was always a great distraction from our busy schedules and a great time to bond with each other.
- Sled Tuesdays: Recommended and open to everyone, extra sled pushes were often on the schedule after a hard Tuesday practice. Starting out with just a few of us, by my senior year, we would have multiple groups. We would pick the weight and reps based on how we were feeling after the weekend games. Nate Sucese would only play Eminem’s Recovery album so that became the official sled Tuesday playlist.
- Ziti boys: By far the most exclusive group to be a part of, the ziti boys would make their way to Olive Garden the night before the first home game in a weekend series. This entire experience was based off superstition and every single movement of the night was planned. I could write a book going into detail of the timing and order everything had to take place as well as the specific jobs people were responsible for. Long story short, the ziti boys is named after our order where every single person would get the five-cheese ziti with chicken parm on top. Lastly, Alex Stevens, AKA the Bread Man, holds the record for 13 bread sticks during the meal.
- Ping pong: The temporary friendship ruining game that proves how competitive we all are individually. Starting out very average, I earned my rightful spot consistently in the top of the leaderboard. Other people will probably say different but don’t listen to them. Coach Gadowsky knows the truth. The ping pong table would be occupied almost the entire time I was at the rink. Many epic battles have taken place with large crowds trying to fluster each opponent.
- X210: My apartment the last three years with my closest friends Evan Barratt, Alex Stevens and Tim Doherty. Late nights, early mornings, no AC and no heat! This place was definitely something, but it was our apartment and we found solutions. It probably would have been a lot easier to listen to our moms about calling in maintenance requests but it was also very funny watching Evan pour bottle after bottle of Drano in our shower and Tim getting locked in his room a few times a week. Almost as fun as listening to Alex watch every fishing video ever made on full volume while sitting five feet away… At the end of the day, this was our home, we loved it and we will make sure our next one has a dishwasher.
- Road trip meals: We were spoiled on road trips. I had steak and sweet potatoes every game day and never missed a dessert after the game. It was either a nice reward or comfort food, but always served its purpose. We would go to a Brazilian steak house in Wisconsin and see who could eat the most meat before tapping out. If you got anything from the salad bar, you were just putting yourself at a disadvantage. Probably not the smartest idea with a game the next day but it was too good to pass up. The freshman 15 became the midseason 15 every year.
- The beep tests: This was the conditioning test we would do a few times a year. A true mental toughness test that everyone could sense a mile away. They were always supposed to be a surprise and disguised as another drill, but we always knew. Coach Gadowsky would bring us in and start taking about an old band and how mentally tough one of the members was. He told these stories in such detail that it was obvious he studied the Wikipedia page on it.
- Cold Stone: A lot of people know I love ice cream and that mint is my favorite. Alex Stevens and Evan Barratt would always make fun of my order at Cold Stone and the fact that I got it every single time. They would ask the people making my ice cream and other customers if they would ever try such a combination and if they thought it would be good. They even tweeted into one of the coaches show episodes I was on to try to embarrass me in front of a crowd. First, it didn’t work. Second, hope you guys are happy with this; The ultimate Cold Stone combination is mint ice cream with chocolate chips, m&ms and marshmallows.
- Post win music videos: Every team has their designated win song. We had that too, but after that song was the win videos. Imagine the locker room with only the logo lit up, a music video playing on the TV, and the entire team singing and dancing. This became a winning ritual because it was so unique and fun. Maroon 5 and Ariana Grande make some unwavering crowd favorite music videos.
FINALLY, THE THANK YOU'S
- Pegula Ice Arena Staff: Thank you for taking care of our home, having the ice ready and for always being so willing to help us with anything we need.
- Game Day Staff: Thank you so much for going above and beyond to make sure the fans have a special experience. You are a huge reason why they keep coming back.
- Roar Zone: Thank you for being the best fans in college hockey. You guys are well known around the country and we, as a team, are so proud to play in front of you each season.
- Coaches: Thank you for teaching me valuable lessons on and off the ice. No words can explain how thankful I am for the experiences the past four years. Best of luck next season and I look forward to staying in touch.
- Team Staff and Trainers: Thank you for always being there. You guys are the hardest workers and make coming to the rink fun and easy. Anything I ever needed, hockey-related or not, I could always count on each of you. You all were a very special part of my journey.
- Teammates: Thank you for absolutely everything. There’s a quote that I grew up with that said, “People will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” I love you all and it was as much of an honor to go to battle with you every day as it is to share this brotherhood bond for life.
- Class of ’21: We’re the tightest class. See you boys soon!
Thank you for everything Penn State. Until next time.
- Limo #9
Credits:
Mark Selders