Mallue leads Storm from behind the scenes
Matt Choquette, Chief Copy Editor
Issue date: 11/5/08 Section: Sports
Senior soccer player Benjamin Mallue's story is just like any other tale. It has a beginning, middle and an end.
Actually, it's not over yet, with the postseason beginning this weekend for the Red Storm. But Senior Night at Belson Stadium on Oct. 31 marked a major milestone in Mallue's four-year journey through the ranks in the St. John's soccer program.
"Ben is an unsung guy who puts in an enormous amount of time," head coach Dave Masur said.
He doesn't necessarily put in many minutes on the field and he's never scored a point for St. John's. But his role on this nationally-ranked soccer team can be emulated by any student-athlete. He received his most meaningful minutes on Senior Night: the final 210 seconds in the Big East regular season title clincher over Cincinnati.
After posing in celebration photos and receiving his senior plaque and Big East trophy, he had time to look back to where it all began.
"It's definitely been a long road," Mallue said. "When I came to St. John's, I just wanted to be a part of one of the best soccer programs in the country. So I told them, I'm here."
There wasn't a roster spot for him and there was no walk-on tryout. But there were bags of balls to carry and other managerial tasks that would assist the team, and Mallue was happy to help.
He fulfilled his duty that year the same way team members trained tirelessly for each game. In 2007, he was honored with the James Kevin Beatty Memorial Award for his grace and dignity in a managerial role for an athletic team. His diligence as a manager caught Masur's eye and earned Mallue his next role on the team.
"Next thing you know, I'm going on trips with the team," Mallue said. "Next thing you know, I'm playing in practice."
This is, after all, what he meant by being a part of the team. Mallue was now on the practice team, where he could help make the team better by giving them the greatest challenge he could.
And he received some perks, as well. Mallue attended the historical Vietnam excursion made by the soccer team, who played three Vietnamese teams while overseas in 2006.
Actually, it's not over yet, with the postseason beginning this weekend for the Red Storm. But Senior Night at Belson Stadium on Oct. 31 marked a major milestone in Mallue's four-year journey through the ranks in the St. John's soccer program.
"Ben is an unsung guy who puts in an enormous amount of time," head coach Dave Masur said.
He doesn't necessarily put in many minutes on the field and he's never scored a point for St. John's. But his role on this nationally-ranked soccer team can be emulated by any student-athlete. He received his most meaningful minutes on Senior Night: the final 210 seconds in the Big East regular season title clincher over Cincinnati.
After posing in celebration photos and receiving his senior plaque and Big East trophy, he had time to look back to where it all began.
"It's definitely been a long road," Mallue said. "When I came to St. John's, I just wanted to be a part of one of the best soccer programs in the country. So I told them, I'm here."
There wasn't a roster spot for him and there was no walk-on tryout. But there were bags of balls to carry and other managerial tasks that would assist the team, and Mallue was happy to help.
He fulfilled his duty that year the same way team members trained tirelessly for each game. In 2007, he was honored with the James Kevin Beatty Memorial Award for his grace and dignity in a managerial role for an athletic team. His diligence as a manager caught Masur's eye and earned Mallue his next role on the team.
"Next thing you know, I'm going on trips with the team," Mallue said. "Next thing you know, I'm playing in practice."
This is, after all, what he meant by being a part of the team. Mallue was now on the practice team, where he could help make the team better by giving them the greatest challenge he could.
And he received some perks, as well. Mallue attended the historical Vietnam excursion made by the soccer team, who played three Vietnamese teams while overseas in 2006.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Penny Jackson
posted 3/05/09 @ 11:27 AM NA
Nice review! Thanks!
Wilma Shakeshaft
posted 3/09/09 @ 9:23 AM NA
I thought this debate was about them, as opposed to featuring them. Whoops.
Jacqueline Attwood
posted 3/11/09 @ 7:50 AM NA
wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
Linda Eaton
posted 3/14/09 @ 5:41 PM NA
Great article. I agree totally.
Amanda Lusk
posted 5/23/09 @ 6:41 AM NA
Great .Now i can say thank you!
Jim Harte
posted 6/19/09 @ 5:59 AM NA
Ben Mallue has behaved with uncommon grace, dignity, wit, and wisdom since was a young boy. He adds to whatever he is a part of making it better, fuller, richer, and funnier. (Continued…)
Bursey Corydon
posted 6/20/09 @ 11:37 AM NA
I thank you for the opportunity to share a portion of my moments in time with future generations.
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