Clocking In the Best

COURTESY PHOTO OF PSU ATHLETICS

COURTESY PHOTO OF PSU ATHLETICS

Welcome to The Clock’s new vamped up column of the sports section. In previous years we’ve seen 10 Seconds with… or Power Rankings but it’s time for a change. I introduce Clocking in the Best, where two student athletes will be featured to get to know them a little more than just giving exceptional performances on the field, court or track. 

This week we dive into Women’s Soccer and Football to know more about Keegan Burch and Brandt O’Hara. 

Burch is from Nashua New Hampshire and is a junior here at PSU. You’ll find her majoring in BFA Graphic Design in the morning, but in the afternoon, she slips on her #20 jersey and plays on the soccer field. Burch has taken 20 shots so far this season, 7 of them on goal. Although she hasn’t been able to find the ball in the goal yet this season, she scored two goals last year and still has a strong presence offensively. Get to know more about Keegan Burch:

What made you get into soccer?

“My mom actually forced me to go to a practice when I was 5 years old and I fell in love.”

Why did you choose Plymouth State?

“I chose Plymouth State because I really enjoyed the small community and friendly environment. When touring it, I felt at home. I knew I would be able to play soccer still while getting an education as well.”

How has playing soccer in college been for you? 

“Playing soccer in college is my favorite part of my whole experience. I have built everlasting friendships and strong relationships. I love winning and being competitive while having fun.”

What is your favorite thing about Plymouth?

“The overall scenery and people I have met.”

What is your favorite thing about soccer?

“My favorite thing about soccer is the perfect fall sunny Saturday’s playing with all my best friends.”

What are three things you’d take with you to a desert island?

“water, matches, my bed”

What is your dream job? 

“My dream job would probably be working for a big time teenage magazine or working for a famous clothing brand designing clothes, logos, packaging, ect.”

Favorite thing about Plymouth?

“The overall scenery and people I have met.”

Where do you think you’ll be in 5 years?

“In 5 years from now I hope to be living with a couple roommates, working, hopefully still playing soccer, and traveling.”

Brandt O’Hara comes from Feeding Hills Massachusetts and is a junior as well. He majors in Health and Physical Education and proudly wears his #72 jersey on Saturday’s. O’Hara has been starting as an offensive lineman since his freshman year and continues to bring a dominant performance to each game. He is a piece to the veteran line up of skilled and talented athletes that gives the Panthers options for making plays. Get to know more about Brandt O’Hara:

What made you get into football?

“I started playing football in 3^rdgrade. I used to watch the sport at young age with my father. When I could play, my parents signed me up and I’ve been playing ever since.’

Why did you choose Plymouth State?

“When I first came to Plymouth on a tour it was a cold, light snowy day. I don’t know if it was mountains surrounding the school, or town of Plymouth itself, but I fell in love with the atmosphere. People were generous, and helpful, and I could see myself spending the next four years of my life here.”

How has playing football in college been for you? 

“Challenging. The hardest thing to do for all student athlete’s is time management. Being able to compete at the highest level you can possibly play, as well as be the best student you can possibly be is tough. But I’ve been able to manage my time here at Plymouth, and it’s worked out very well for me. I enjoy being able to play the game I love for as long as I’m capable of doing it.”

What is your favorite thing about Plymouth?

“…I knew I wanted to go to school somewhere different. Yes, Plymouth isn’t the biggest town by any means. But I love the atmosphere, and the people that live here, and go to school here. Since coming to Plymouth, I’ve learned how to skate, I’ve been able to visit Lake Winnipesaukee, go on hikes, and meet people from around the world. This little town doesn’t feel as small to me as most outsiders would think.”

What is your favorite thing about football?

“Football has been around my life for so long and has shaped who I am today. I love being able to compete on the field and with teammates. Being an Offensive Linemen, we don’t get a lot of credit, no OL ever does. And for me I’m perfectly fine doing the dirty work for my team to succeed. That’s truly what I love most, being able to do everything I can so my teammates can do their job by scoring and making plays. It’s funny to think that on average a football team high school or college plays around 10 games a year… in a 13-14 week span. It’s those 6 days a week where a lot of the work needs to be put in, to be successful on game days. My favorite thing about football is the grind, and determination it takes to win, because losing sucks.

What are three things you’d take with you to a desert island?

“A big knife, a fishing net and bug spray… I hate mosquitoes.”

What is your dream job? 

“Physical Education Teacher.”

Where do you think you’ll be in 5 years?

“Hopefully in 5 years I’ll be working as a PE teacher, doesn’t matter what grade level. I can also see myself staying in NH, as well as coaching football, wrestling, and other sports.”

You can find Brandt and Keegan both playing this Saturday on home turf. Football will be kicking off at 1 p.m. against Massachusetts Maritime. Women’s soccer will be at Arold Field to recognize their seniors at 2:30 p.m., go out and show your support.