By Ryan Rose
A schedule consisting of five courses, an internship, an on-campus job and playing college basketball may sound overwhelming to some. However, Bluffton junior Michael Stammen is showing that he thrives in this situation.
Originally from Versailles, Ohio, Stammen spent the majority of his childhood involved in athletics. He was most attracted to football and basketball, but his love of basketball grew greatly due to his relationship with his father, the eighth-grade basketball coach at Versailles Local Schools. He also credits the sport of basketball as a key factor in his personal development.
His work ethic in the gym and growing confidence allowed him to succeed as a senior in high school. In 2019-20, Stammen averaged 18.4 points per game along with five assists and four rebounds. This stat line landed him many accolades including being named the Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year, District 9 Player of the Year and First Team All Ohio. Stammen’s game caught the eye of Guy Neal, who was serving as Bluffton Men’s Basketball Coach and recruited him to play for the Beavers. Stammen ultimately chose to attend Bluffton University to continue his academic and athletic journey because of the University’s close location to Versailles and excellent opportunity to earn playing time.
In his time playing basketball for Bluffton, Stammen has faced some challenges. He has been diagnosed with COVID-19 twice, and was quarantined five times in his first two seasons. Stammen’s continued work ethic carried him through these challenges, and he has been the starting point guard for Bluffton in each of the past two seasons. In these seasons, Michael has recorded multiple 20-point games and rarely comes off the court for Bluffton.
“Michael is one of the most reliable teammates I have ever played with,” said senior guard Kegan Owen. “You can always count on him to give absolutely everything he has and compete to the best of his abilities.”
Stammen’s competitive nature is something he gained at a young age. Growing up he would constantly find himself involved in face offs with his older brother. Stammen also credits his father, Bob, for showing him how to be a true competitor.
“I truly believe my competitive nature comes from all the times I challenged my older brother in different things when the odds were clearly not in my favor,” said Stammen. “I also watched my dad coach and would see his fiery competitiveness on the sideline.
“Strong time management skills are required to successfully juggle all the different aspects of being a working college student athlete,” said Stammen. “Staying busy allows me to focus on the task at hand because I do not have time to procrastinate on work or homework. Keeping an agenda calendar allows me to stay on top of assignments, work hours and basketball activities I have to do on a weekly basis.”
After graduation in May, Stammen plans to return to Bluffton to obtain his MBA. He will play another two years of basketball to complete his eligibility, while also working full-time in the Accounts Receivable Department at SumiRiko Ohio.
“The next two years will be challenging but, I am really looking forward to them,” said Stammen. “I still have areas to improve on in life and in basketball, so I am going to put in the work needed to be the best version of myself I can be.”
