In-depth with our sports seniors

Michael Callahan: The Mayor

Derek Gibbons, Sports Editor
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: Sports

With time winding down in the third overtime, Mike Callahan comes down the court, gets the ball, and scores! He has just sent the Trailblazers and SUNY Maritime into a fourth overtime!

"A memory that will stick out in my mind is the five overtime game against SUNY Maritime my sophomore year," said Callahan. "That was the most exciting game I ever played in and I will never forget it."

Callahan, also known as "the Mayor of MCLA," may be one of the most well known student-athletes here on campus, especially since he is the only four-year varsity basketball player on the team. Basketball started at an early age for Callahan and he has stuck with it ever since.

Born in the Bronx, he and his family moved to Carmel, NY at the age of 12. At first it was a big adjustment for him, but once he started making friends, he felt more and more like he was at home.

At a young age, Callahan played both baseball and basketball. He was better and enjoyed basketball more, so he dropped baseball and concentrated more on basketball. However, he is still a Yankees fan and enjoys watching the Bronx Bombers play.

"My fondest memories as a kid were my dad taking me to my first Yankee game when I was about eight years old," said Callahan. "It was the first time I got to see Don Mattingly play in person and he was my favorite player. Even though the Yankees lost, it was great just spending time with my dad and getting to watch my favorite player for the first time."

Callahan followed in the footsteps of his cousin Robert, as he was the one to introduce him to the game of basketball. Robert went St. Raymonds High School in the Bronx and they were a state and national powerhouse for varsity basketball.

"I use to play one on one with him all the time," said Callahan, "and he always beat me, but he made me a better player. He was always willing to work with me on my game when I saw him, and he was always there for me."

Callahan got his first taste of varsity basketball when he was a sophomore in high school. His team, which was ranked in the top 25 in the state of New York, had made it into the playoffs and decided to bring him up to the team. The team made it deep in sectionals, but was eventually knocked out by White Plains High School.

"That was great experience as a young player being apart of that team for sectionals," said Callahan.

His senior year of High School he was named captain of his team and he lead his team to second place in their conference that year. Following high school, Callahan planned on attending Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, NY, but at the last minute, took a look at MCLA.

"MCLA was actually a last minute choice for me, said Callahan. "My high school coach told me that the MCLA coach showed some interest and that I should go up and visits MCLA. I made the visit, met Coach Gotham, and right away I felt the school was a good fit for me."

Callahan was taken in by the basketball team with open arms. Callahan was an instant hit with the team and made friends quickly.

"Teammates like JP Quintal, Thad Broughton, and Brandon Pender took me in and made me feel welcome when first join the team, I learned a lot from them," said Callahan.

Now a senior and a fourth of the way through his season, he has been named captain of the basketball team. One thing that sticks out about his captainship is that the coach did not name him captain, the team voted Callahan into the position. This shows the respect that he has earned and also shows the type of hard work and leadership he has shown in the last four years in the program.

"The biggest achievement by far I have had at MCLA was being named captain of the team," said Callahan. "It was a pretty big accomplishment for me and I have my teammates to thank for voting me captain."
After college, Callahan plans to attend Graduate School and work for a professional sports team or in an athletic department at a college. As for his basketball career, it will be continued but only in the local men's league.

Through it all, Callahan has made a lifetime friendship because of the game of basketball. From high school into college, these two teammates have formed a great friendship on and off the court.

"I can not leave out Chris Cassels. We have been playing basketball together since we were in middle school and now that were playing in college together is terrific. He is definitely my closest friend," said Callahan.