Momentum is a curious thing. In sports, it can carry players
and teams to levels we never thought possible and to places that we would never
have suspected. It plunges us forward, upward and over the hurdles and obstacles
which litter our path. But sometimes, no matter how great our momentum, we come
up against events which will slow or divert our direction.
Such was the case with Nikolas Markos, a member of Arrowhead
High School's class of 2008. As a senior playing in his final season with his
soccer squad, the goalkeeper managed to guide his team to their third regional
championship. He allowed only 12 goals along the way, while collecting 12
shutouts to go with First Team All-Conference and All-State accolades. His
performance warranted interest from several schools, including New Mexico and
Missouri State, the latter of which became his college of choice.
Now, with two years of studies under his belt, the former
standout has amassed only a few minutes of playing time at the college level.
He has instead found himself faced with the always difficult task of backing up
a popular player.
Such challenges can transform athletes, however, forging
them into something greater and stronger than they'd previously thought
possible.
"He's made improvements," says Head Coach Jon Leamy, in "his
fitness, his flexibility, and his ability. We've been blessed to have some good
goalkeepers here, too. One of the kids that has pretty much controlled a lot of
the playing time has been a First Team All-Conference player for two straight
years and an All-Midwest player." The player of whom Leamy speaks is Alex
Riggs, who is about to embark on his senior season. A standout by all accounts,
the 6'4" goalkeeper has built a reputation as one of the most gifted players in
the Midwest. His selection as the 2009 Missouri Valley Conference Defensive
Player of the Year has cemented his legacy between the goal posts.
But Markos, far from being despondent, has learned to make
the most of his situation.
"I knew what I was getting into," he tells IWS. "Alex is a
great goalie. At first it was a little demoralizing, I guess, but you know that
by playing as hard as you can, you're helping out and making everyone better.
The transition from not playing all the time means I have to turn my practices
into, you know, playing like it's a game."
His continued effort has paid off in several ways. One of
the most noticeable has come in the form of his increased physical fitness. As
a starting goaltender in high school, Markos tipped the scales, weighing in
between 200 and 210 pounds. Now, entering his junior year, the 6'2" backup
stands at a lean, muscular 190.
"A lot of the saves that I wasn't able to make in high
school I'm able to make now. By getting fitter and fitter, I'm a lot quicker
now."
His efforts have not gone unnoticed by the team around him.
His hard work and dedication have earned the respect of both the players and
the coaching staff.
"I think first and foremost he's a good kid with a nice personality,"
says Coach Leamy. "He's a happy guy and brings a lot to interacting with the
team. He really fits in well, and had a nice presence."
Whether or not he's eventually given a chance to start at
Missouri State, Markos plans on continuing his soccer career. But this summer,
much of his free time has revolved around his education. His studies have
centered on entrepreneurship, a field which he hopes will bring him success
once the diplomas are handed out and the tassels have turned. Even his goal of
early graduation, however, hearkens back to his love of the game. Following
college, Markos hopes to attend some combines for Major League Soccer, or even
to explore the possibility of playing overseas.
"By working hard," he says, "things end up panning out for
you."
It's an admirable philosophy, one too often forgotten, and
not just by athletes. But once Missouri State's current starter departs from
the Bears' roster, you can bet that Markos will get his shot between the posts.
His inertia, though temporarily diverted, has undoubtedly built up a sizable
amount of potential energy. For now, he can take comfort in a physics lesson we
all learned at a young age: Once something explodes, its energy is almost
impossible to contain.
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