By Sports Editor: Danielle Hamilton

Howell senior John Brennan has been an outstanding athlete his past four years. He has participated in football and basketball and has excelled in both.

Brennan was a huge part of the varsity football team his junior and senior years. He played linebacker and fullback for the Highlanders, was a two-year starter, and was a captain his senior year. Brennan was twice All-County first team, once All-KLAA first team, and once All-KLAA honorable mention, as well as All-State Academic honorable mention.

“It was a pleasure to coach John. Over the last several years, I have really gotten to know him and see him grow as an athlete and a young adult. I am sure that the things he has done here at Howell High School will help him be successful at the next level,” says head varsity football coach, Aaron Metz.

After deciding to not play basketball his junior year, Brennan came back to play his senior year and was a forward for the varsity basketball team. He helped lead the team to a district and regional championship for the first time since 1927.

“Winning regionals was awesome. It was one of the best atmospheres I have ever played in. It felt good to beat Grand Blanc because I had never beaten them while being on a varsity team before,” says Brennan.

Brennan stood out when it came to defense. He got key rebounds when needed and set picks to help his teammates out. He also was able to keep his opponents’ scoring at a minimum. Brennan was also able to come through and score at crucial times in big games.

“John is one of the most mature and responsible athletes I have had the pleasure of coaching.  He is an extremely hard worker and relentless competitor. John brought great emotion, leadership, and passion to the team this year along with his size, speed, and athleticism,” says head boys basketball coach, Nick Simon.

“John was always one of the hardest workers in practice games. He’s a great athlete and friend,” says senior Tex Hastings, who was a part of the varsity basketball team this past season.

Brennan is not only a notable athlete, but he is a spectacular student-athlete. He has taken multiple AP classes including AP Calculus, AP Government, AP Comparative Government, and AP U.S. History. Brennan has kept up his grade point average throughout all his sports seasons and has a cumulative above a 3.8. He scored very high on his ACT as well.

After graduation, Brennan will continue to play football and study at Hillsdale College. To get ready for college football, he has already begun certain workouts given by his football coach at Hillsdale.

“I have been studying hard and doing the workouts four days a week to help myself get ready. I’m very excited to start college and get to work” says Brennan.

Brennan is still undecided on his college major, but is considering sports management or something math related.

“Playing sports has taught me a lot of things like hard work, teamwork, perseverance, and dedication,” says Brennan.