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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Mike Malone Feature
November 21, 2003 | Football
Nov. 21, 2003
By JACK CARLE, Sentinel Sports Editor - The mind is ready. The body tells a different story.
Fifth-year senior Mike Malone was to be one of the cornerstones for Bowling Green's defense this fall. He had the experience, with more than 20 career starts, the ability and the desire.
Instead, a sprained knee suffered against Ohio State in BG's fourth game this season has reduced Malone to a sideline motivator, coach and sounding board for his teammates.
"I'm not at 100 percent right now," Malone said. "Everybody has their role and that's what my role is right now, to support everyone else that is out there playing. I don't know everything, but I try to help out the younger guys."
Tim Beckman, BG's defensive coordinator, knows what Malone has been able to accomplish on the field during his career.
"He's always been a great kid; very competitive," Beckman said. "He's just been struck with that unlucky deal of always being injured. It's a shame, because he's a great football player ... He's just one of those kids that you try to find a place for on defense. He's not the biggest guy, but he'll hit you."
There was no contact on the play when Malone was injured.
"It was just a freak thing," Beckman said.
"I just planted the wrong way," Malone said. "After the tackle I knew something wasn't right. I hobbled off the field and that was it."
Malone has not yet had surgery for the injury, hoping it will heal on its own.
"I would probably have done things differently if it was my sophomore or junior year," Malone said. "It's very difficult to watch people playing and not being able to get out there and play."
His teammates and friends have not forgotten Malone. Jason Morton, Janssen Patton and Keon Newson have been through the wars in the secondary with the 5-10, 195-pound native of Portsmouth and still look to him for guidance. Newson has taken over Malone's spot at safety with Jelani Jordan moving to Newson's cornerback position.
"We have a big trust factor; we are almost like brothers," Malone said about his teammates. "Just out of nowhere, they might ask, 'Mike, are you OK?' Or they might ask me, 'how did we do this last time?' Or they might ask me to watch when we're out there and give us your insight. They're in full support of me."
Even with the injury, Malone would not trade away his college experience at Bowling Green. He said he chose BG because of the family atmosphere and environment and he's not been disappointed.
"It's probably been the best experience of my life," Malone said. "I wouldn't take back anything, from the losing all the way up until now because I've learned so much and I've matured. I've learned how to handle losing and I've learned how to handle winning.
"I try to help people deal with adverse situations, not just on the field but in life."
With as many as four games remaining for the Falcons, Malone has expectations of his playing before the season ends.
"I plan on being out there. Whether it's on special teams or for one play," Malone said. Until then, Malone will keep his head up and help the Falcons in any way he can.
"He's a team player and just wants to do whatever he can to help the team. That's what he's done instead of going into the tank," Beckman said.
