Mike Godwin has worn uniforms three seasons each year—football, hockey and baseball uniforms—for as long as he can remember. Coming to Milton was the right step for him, Mike says. He wanted to take every aspect of his career to the next level.
Ninth-graders who have come to Milton confident, prepared and ready are still surprised. Whatever their middle-school experience, getting used to the workload and classes takes time. As Mike says, “things didn’t seem to happen as easily as they once had. I gave myself some slack and didn’t put too much pres- sure on myself. I defaulted to that, because I couldn’t think of another way.”
The ice rink was the place that truly felt familiar. Hockey had been Mike’s passion since he first tied skates on at age two. He was charged up by the speed of the game, the hard work and the camaraderie.
In Class II, during the home opener against St. Sebastian’s, Mike hit the boards at a ruinous angle and shattered several of his vertebrae. Not only was the hockey season out of the question—Mike thought his years as an athlete were, as well.
“That injury was a defining element of my high school career—of my life, really,” Mike says. “All along, I had focused on improving my game, reaching my potential as an athlete, playing at a Division I school. Now I didn’t know where to focus, or even where to look. I was devastated, and so was my family.”
With the support of his parents, friends, teachers and coaches, Mike slowly began to get better. As he healed, and was forced to occupy his time in other ways, he came to realize that sports did not define him. He enjoyed his classes—especially in math and science. He had made many great friends. He loved his music. (Mike composed songs and played guitar for his senior project.) He discovered that he had plenty to work on, and to look forward to. His father’s words captured the perspective Mike found. “My dad said to me, ‘Mike, you may not be able to skate again, but you’ll be able to play catch with your kids.’” With a new point of view, Mike dove into the hard work of getting back on his feet, and potentially back on the fields.
“I have a lot of faith in myself,” Mike says. “I have a strong work ethic, and I was determined to get as far as my situation allowed.”
Mike returned to the baseball field later that spring, but he knew the demands of football would be too much for his back, still healing. Therefore, during his senior fall, on the sidelines of Stokinger Field, Mike took on coaching. He volunteered, working with the newer players and teaching them what he knew. Mike’s partnership with varsity head coach Kevin MacDonald was crucial—“the most influential person in my Milton life,” Mike says.
Mike did wear his skates again. No amount of ice time is enough for Mike, but being part of the team that won the 2011 New England Championship, with an overall season record of 26-3- 1, was an extraordinary experience. The team also claimed the Independent School League Keller Division title for the first time since 1967.
Mike beams, remembering celebrating with his teammates after the Championship win against Kent. “I didn’t get any awards or accolades for the season, but that didn’t matter,” he says. “I am so proud, and so grateful, to have been part of that team.”
Mike’s ability to stay positive—a trait that he credits to his parents—carried him through. “I firmly believe that having made my way through that accident and recovery, I can get through anything.” At the end of his Milton career, Mike feels ready—for college, and for his life. He will be on the ice this winter, playing hockey for Saint Lawrence University.
EEH