Every sports team has a…Superstar that outshines the other players

They just do it better. They run faster, kick farther, and throw harder.

Every team has a few athletes that have abilities superior to the rest. These are referred to as the stars. The best of the best.

A true star athlete is born when the right combination of superior talent, mental capability, confidence, and diligence is instilled into one person.

The stereotypical “stud” athlete walks around with the swagger of a rapper, the confidence of a movie star, and the looks of a model. At MC, however, these tremendous athletes are often very humble and soft-spoken.

Senior wrestler Ted Kassen is one who many believe to fit the afore-mentioned stereotype. Those who have met him know otherwise.

“I don’t consider myself a star,” he said. “I feel that my team this year is solid throughout and there are really no superstars.”

Kassen stresses the hard work he puts in to be one of the best at his sport. He believes that the commitment he puts into developing his body and knowledge of the game is what gives him that extra edge that all athletes look for.

Senior soccer player Kellie Fox agrees with this philosophy. She believes that the only reason she has achieved what she has is because of how much she practices.

“It takes practice, practice, practice,” Fox said. “Being dedicated and convincing yourself that you are the best is key.”

The extent of the commitment Kassen and Fox have, to develop their body and mind so that they can dominate their sport, is unthinkable to most high school students who would prefer to spend that inordinate amount of time studying or enjoying themselves.

Star athletes must have leadership qualities as well, and Kassen feels this is one of his strengths.

“I try to be a good leader for the underclassmen on the team,” he said.

Senior water polo player Mojgan Malekpour feels that another key to being successful in sports is her ability to push herself to the limit, at all times.

“In order for me to play to the best of my ability it is important for me to push myself at each and every practice so that I can learn new skills and find out what my strengths and weaknesses are,” Malekpour said. “During the off season I make sure to give 100 percent during practice and in games in order to become a better polo player. I strive to be better, not only for my own benefit, but also for the benefit of the team as a whole.”

Both of these students are great athletes and agree that without their team, their abilities go to waste. No star is good enough to dominate by themself, especially in a team sport.

“I would consider myself an important player,” Malekpour said. “However, I am no more important than any of the other girls who I have been playing with for the last four years. Water polo is a team sport and without the hard work and dedication of all of us we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

In the end, it cannot be said that all athletes are created equal. Some are gifted with a mentality and talent level that will never be ignored. However, it is important to remember that to be a winner, athletes must have that extra level of commitment and humility, no matter how gifted they are.

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