I never got to see Andy Panko or Devean George or any of the other names that we consider legendary at the Division III level. I’m not as adventurous as our publisher in terms of travel and prefer focusing on my gig as the voice of a particular team to traversing the landscape and seeing the various sites of Division III.
But given a free night, I figured it would be worth my while to make the 75-mile trip to Purchase, N.Y. to see not only the top-seeded Manhattanville men’s team in the Skyline Tournament, but to check out Mount St. Mary guard Mike Hoyt, whom I had profiled in Around the Nation a few weeks ago. It seemed hypocritical to pass up a chance to see the best in the game, especially considering that just before leaving, I went to the bookstore and bought a copy of “Maravich” to read about another game great.
I won’t get into the misfortunes that caused me to be 10 minutes late (let’s just say that the young lady who backed into my car in a parking lot mishap was fortunate that I’m not one to get road rage), but when I walked into the gym, I looked to my left and saw that the scoreboard showed the visitors in front, 15-8, which meant that I missed the best part of Mount St. Mary’s (k)night. I also saw a group of people whom I realized it would be worthwhile to sit with- Mike Hoyt’s family.
They were spread out over four rows but were easy to pick out because of the family resemblance. His grandmother, Evelyn, whom I spent much of the game chatting with, was behind me with Mike’s dad, and his mom and uncle were a row in front. I appreciated their indulging me, because I peppered them with a fair share of questions during timeouts and halftime. They also apparently are unaware of the “Around the Nation” jinx, a myth perpetuated by some who feel I bring bad luck by writing about their teams (I guess the fodder for them is that Manhattanville outscored Mount by 25 after I showed up).
Hoyt survived a conking to the head at the end of the first half to finish with 30 points and had one Maravich-esque moment, a juggling act layup which caused Mike’s uncle to turn around and say “I hope that was worth the trip for you.”
Mike’s mom told me one story that I’d like to share and hopefully it doesn’t embarass Hoyt too much as he readies for phone calls from agents and international interests, who figure to ask him to try out a professional basketball career overseas.
When Hoyt was playing travel basketball in fourth grade, he was, as he is now, small, tough, and very very good. At the awards ceremony, the coach presented him with a Wheaties box. The front was cut out and Hoyt’s picture was inserted in its place.
“Mike,” the coach said. “When I’m old and gray, there will be a day when I’m eating Wheaties and your picture will be on the front of the box.”
Hoyt still has that award, one of what I’m sure are many treasured basketball mementos. He also has the memories of a fine collegiate basketball career. And I can say I have the memory of having seen him.
Outstanding story.
Thanks for sharing.
I was impressed when I saw Hoyt play a couple of weeks ago as well. I’ve never seen a guy go to the hole so hard, look like he’s going to fly out of control, then put up so many perfectly controlled shots that fall.
Also saw him get harder than I saw a lot of running backs get hit.
Way to go! Great story!! on a fellow “Hudson Valley” athlete. I wish Mike all the best in his future endeavors.
It is too bad that you did not get to see Hoyts really great performances throughout the season scoring 59, 57, and 55. His performance at Mville did not fully display his great ability to score. Ive seen Hoyt play for 4 years now and played with him for 2 years and I can honestly say he is a superb talent that has not even reached his full potential yet. His greatness is nothing new when I think back to his freshman year in the semifinals of the skyline conference tournament, when he hit a fade away 3 pointer against Mville with 1.5 seconds left to bring us into overtime. The sky is truly the limit for this young man and he is not only a great basketball player but a truly great person as well. My last thought is that Hoyt did miss numerous games throughout his career due to an pretty serious ankle injury, without those missed games, who knows…he could have been top five all time in scoring. I see great things for Mike in the future and I feel blessed just being able to watch this super-star throughout the past 4 years. P.S. I would really find it disappointing if MSMC did not retire Hoyts number 11 jersey and hang it in the gym. Every teammate, alumni, and coach, feel that this young man deserves nothing less than this honor. Rumor has it, the athletic department does not want to do this. To me, that is truly a shame.
There are not to many athlethes that come around like Hoyt. He has so much talent and brings so much to any team that he has played on. It is not just his talent but his character that separates him from everyone else.He has been a positive role model for the younger kids.He never let the fact that division 1 and 2 schools passed on him GET HIM DOWN, and I am some of them are scratching their heads now! Some times we need to take chances and all the coaches made a mistake passing on Hoyt. For Hoyt, he made the right choice, he went to a school that welcomed him with open arms, treated him like a family member, said they knew they got a gift so lets see MSMC do the right thing and retire Hoyt’s number. THE EXCUSE THAT IT HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE, IS A COP OUT, THERE IS ALWAYS A FIRST TIME. THIS IS A HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR MSMC TO SHOW OTHER PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS THAT THE MOUNT TAKES CARE OF THEIR STUDENTS WHEN THEY ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THEN WORDS, SHOW HOYT WHAT HE ACCOMPLISHED MEANT SOMETHING TO THE SCHOOL, RETIRE HIS NUMBER.