Athlete of the Month is a program that honors student-athletes for their hard work and
accomplishments in athletics. This program was started in the fall of 2022, so this is only the
second year it has been running. Rocky Marquess, owner of Big Iron Realty, approached
Activities Director Kelly Callanan about the Athlete of the Month program.
“He wanted to help recognize the students and help celebrate the student-athletes,” said
Callanan.
Big Iron Realty fully funds this program. According to Callanan, Marquess seemed like
he was very interested in recognizing and appreciating the athletes. When athletes are honored
with this award, they receive a plaque, T-shirt and gift card from Easy Eats, all compliments of
Big Iron Realty.
To determine the recipients, Callanan sends a Google form at the end of the month to
head coaches of sports in season. All of the coaches nominate one athlete to be awarded Athlete
of the Month, and then a group of administrators sort through all of the nominations. To be
eligible for the honor, all a student has to do is play a sport within that season. Athletes are
eligible for this award twice and can receive it for the same sport, but that hasn’t happened yet.
“We have had a few two-time winners, so you can be a multiple-time winner,” said
Callanan.
Callanan said he enjoys many things about this program, such as that it is a way for the
school to recognize more students. He believes that it is another way for Marshall High School to
present more positivity about what the students are doing out to the community.
“I love that it is another way for us to recognize our kids for doing great things on and off
the field or court,” said Callanan.
Callanan doesn’t know if it gives the athletes any advantages if they win, but he hopes it
creates more competition between the athletes. He also hopes it pushes more athletes to strive for
the award. Student-athletes who earn this distinction and who want to move onto the next level
after high school will be able to add this to their list of achievements.
“I hope they can feel a sense of pride to receive that award,” said Callanan.
Callanan also said he hopes this program inspires athletes to strive to do the best they can
in their sport. He believes the more success the athletes have in and outside of their sport, the
better it is for not only them but also the program. One of the most important parts is to be doing
the right thing in the classroom and the community.
“The program hopefully inspires and motivates them to try to reach their top potential,”
said Callanan.
Callanan posts the winners of this award on different social media platforms. The winners
are posted on the Owl Activities Instagram page. This year the school has started to add it to the
school’s Facebook page, as well.
“Big Iron Realty adds it to their Facebook page as well,” Callanan added.