Introducing the Sabre Tribune, content written by current and former Marian student-athletes on the topics that matter to them. Join us as we take an inside look at the life of a Marian student-athlete throughout the year and gain an inside perspective of life outside of the court, pitch or field. The opening Sabre Tribune post comes from junior Marcus Kadinger of the Marian men's basketball team and the unique recruiting experience he went through along with the reasoning behind his choice to choose Marian.
I wasn't heavily recruited as an athlete by any stretch of the means. Most college basketball programs hardly paid any attention to me. One program even said they didn't think I could play at the next level. But one program saw what I had to offer, and that one happened to be Marian University. I come from a small town in Western Wisconsin called Glenwood City. Most, probably 99% of people in Fond du Lac, have never heard of it. Most, probably 99% of people in Glenwood City, have never heard of Marian University. I knew when it came time to choose where I was going to continue my education that I wanted to get out of the shell that was the town of 1,200 people on the western side of the state. I wanted to meet new people and form an experience that was my own. Part of that experience for me though, had to include playing basketball. I grew up like the stereotypical hooper. Dad was my biggest inspiration and coached me until middle school while my Mom was always my biggest supporter. I started varsity my freshman year of high school and never looked back. I was team captain my sophomore through senior years. I earned all-conference honors as a junior and senior. I thought I was in a good position to get some college looks. I went to the exposure camps, played on the summer teams, and even took my senior year off from football to work on my game. However, the interest just never stirred up. It's possible one little detail might have scared off some college coaches. I'm not talking about grades, I was top five in my class with a 3.87 GPA. I'm not talking about off the court issues either, I've never even had a parking fine. No, in all honesty, I think most coaches doubted me because of a perceived physical limitation. And that was the fact I had been born without my left hand. There was no accident or disease or anything like that. I was just born the way I was. I never asked anyone to feel sorry for me or make excuses because of it. It's only fueled me to want to prove to myself that I can accomplish anything. When you see me now in a Marian uniform, you'd be right in saying I'm not the fastest, strongest, quickest, or most athletic guy on the team. But you talk to any of my teammates, professors, or coaches they will say I'm one of the hardest workers they've ever come across. That's something I've always taken pride in and know is the main reason why the Marian basketball coaching staff believed in me. I never wanted to be on a college basketball team because people felt sorry for me or thought it would be a 'feel good story.' I wanted to be on a team because I was good enough and could contribute. Unfortunately, not many programs saw that potential in me. But fortunately, Marian did, and I couldn't thank them enough for the opportunity. They treat me exactly like everybody else. I've had to earn every minute of playing time that I've received. My overall basketball career here at Marian has had its ups and downs for me personally, but my teammates and staff believe in me and it's given me the confidence and drive to improve. On the brink of another season about to start, I can't help but feel optimistic about what's in store for both me and most importantly, my team. I had to work hard to get to where I'm at and I know with where I want to go in life, both in my academic, occupational, and remaining athletic career, that it will only get harder. Marian is preparing me for just that. My coaches push me to get better every day and I understand that my position on the team is earned, not granted. My professors challenge me to go beyond the basic expectations of the average student and because of that, I'm sitting on a 3.9 GPA. It's not a one-way street either, I know anytime I need help or have a question there are professors, advisors, coaches, or administrators who are more than willing to help. Marian gave me a chance to succeed and be myself both athletically and academically, something that other universities couldn't exactly offer me. Entering my junior year, there's no doubt in my mind that Marian is where I was meant to be. Comments are closed.
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Championships (11)
(78-79), (79-80), (80-81), (82-83), (83-84), (87-88), (89-90), (90-91), (98-99), (99-00), (13-14) NCAA Tournaments (2) (00-01), (13-14) Categories
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April 2018
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