A triple threat

When it comes to baseball, it takes three strikes to score an out — but for Lynbrook High School student Andrew Marks, the number three was lucky.

The senior Varsity Soccer, Winter Track and Baseball team captain was awarded a Triple Impact Competitor Scholarship in September for excelling in those sports on and off-the-field.

Offered by the Positive Coaching Alliance, this scholarship recognizes ethical student-athletes who have a positive influence in three areas — personal mastery, leadership and honoring the game. Marks, 17, earned an $1,000 scholarship award for exemplifying the alliance’s model of a Triple-Impact competitor, which includes significantly improving your teammates and yourself while making an impact on sports. Upon finding out he won the honor, Marks was very ecstatic and grateful.

“I felt so proud,” Marks said. “It was unbelievable to win and be an outstanding athlete. It is important for me because not often in high school to you get awarded for character. It definitely allowed me to be proud of myself and very happy for the person I am.” Marks added that he was one of four winners selected from a group of 20 finalists in the New York metropolitan area.

Aside from being an athlete, Marks is president of the school’s Spanish club and is a member of A.C.E. or Athletes Creating Excellence, Mathletes, Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.), and the National Honor Society.

“Andrew is an outstanding young man and in my opinion exemplified the balance between athletics and academia,” said Josh Berlin, who coaches Lynbrook High School boys varsity soccer. “He brings passion, heart, intensity and most of all his love for soccer out on the field with him everyday. He leads his peers and teammates and works to help them reach their ultimate goals and their potential.”

According to Berlin, Marks shows great success in being a team captain, which he said that Marks richly deserves this award. “Andrew is all three tenants of the award,” Berlin said. “Whether it is discussing his play on the field, asking for the time to complete his college applications or working extra hard to be a complete person, Andrew shows his willingness and diligence often.”

And Marks is very thankful for all the support from everyone including Berlin. He noted that he enjoys the team dinners, which he loves the “unity and brotherhood.” In addition, he enjoys practicing with his teammates, which everyone supports him.

He offers this last word of advice. “Never give up,” he said. “You have to keep going until you are satisfied. And even if you are satisfied, move to reach another goal.”