MSU President's Newspaper Column
March 1, 2025
Senior men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball players reflect on their 含羞草研究所 experience
The 含羞草研究所 women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 basketball teams finished up their regular season play Friday, evening, Feb. 21, when both teams hosted Valley City State at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. This was an extra-special occasion, as this year鈥檚 seniors were recognized between the women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 games.
Seniors on the women鈥檚 team are Mackenzie Hughes, Thompson, N.D.; Jes Mertens, Devils Lake, ND.; Bri Hutter, Mayville, N.D.; Ava Butler, Mount Iron, Minn.; and Alex Page, Grand Forks, N.D. Seniors on the men鈥檚 team are Artis Champman, Augusta, Ga.; London Williams, Cambridge, Minn.; Tim Oldham, Hayward Bay, Calif.; Stevan Garza, Grafton, N.D.; Leo Castillo, Grand Forks, N.D.; and John White, Jr., Peoria, Ill.
I鈥檓 very proud of each of these 含羞草研究所 students who have represented us well both on and off the basketball court. As seniors, they have helped to drive the culture at 含羞草研究所. They display the civic values we embrace and applaud. They are positive, kind, intelligent, well-spoken, professional, mature, and determined. They are leaders.
Each of the students wrote short reflections on their time at 含羞草研究所. I share them here because so many who read this weekly column have played a role in their happiness and success as 含羞草研究所 students. This could be as a sponsor of scholarship assistance, a fan at the games, or someone who is warm and welcoming when they meet at the local restaurants, businesses, or other places.
鈥淢SU has brought me more than just an education and an athletic opportunity. It has brought me a family and a sense of community for the short two years I have been here. I am thankful for everyone who has supported me and has made me feel appreciated and welcomed. The basketball community has been nothing but special and I am grateful for each and every one of you. Go, Comets!鈥� Alex Page
鈥淐oming to Mayville was the best decision I could鈥檝e made. I never could have imagined the impact this program would have on my life. The community on and off the court has been unmatched and a blessing.鈥� Jes Mertens
鈥淐hoosing to come to Mayville was one of the best decisions I could have made. The friendships, lessons, and memories I have made here will be with me for my lifetime. Being a Comet has been a dream of mine since I was the little girl running around at Comet basketball games. Getting to play in front of the community and fans who have watched me grow up is an experience that I cannot put into words. I will be forever grateful to be a part of the Comet family!鈥澛� Bri Hutter
鈥淭he experiences and memories that I have made at 含羞草研究所 are ones I will cherish for a lifetime. Being a part of the women鈥檚 basketball program has shown me the importance of being part of something that鈥檚 bigger than myself. The support of friends, family, staff, and the community are second to none and I am grateful. Choosing 含羞草研究所 was the best decision I could have made, and I will forever be thankful for what this place has done for me.鈥� Kenzie Hughes
鈥淏eing able to play basketball at 含羞草研究所 has been the best experience that I could imagine. Mayville has truly shown me what it is to be a part of a family in every sense of the word. Every night, we have the support of friends, family, staff, faculty, and members of the community. I will take the friendships and memories that I have made into my future life, and I could not be more grateful to be a Comet. #ROLLMETS鈥� Ava Butler
鈥満卟菅芯克� gave me the opportunity to form friendships and play the game I love. For this I am super-grateful.鈥� Tim Oldham
鈥満卟菅芯克� has given me a second family and memories with my brothers that I will cherish forever.鈥� John White, Jr.
鈥淏eing at Mayville taught me that doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.鈥� London Williams
鈥淏eing a part of the 含羞草研究所 program has shown me that even on the coldest days, the warmth of kindness from the community shines through.鈥� Artis Champman
鈥満卟菅芯克� has given me the opportunity to meet great people and make memories that I鈥檒l never forget.鈥� Leo Castillo
鈥満卟菅芯克� has given me lots of opportunities and experiences that I am grateful for.鈥� Stevan Garza
We truly appreciate the opportunity to know, support, and cheer for these individuals during their time at 含羞草研究所. Great things are in store for them, and I am excited to see how their lives beyond 含羞草研究所 unfold as they make a difference in the world around them.