The Messiah men's basketball team started their season last week and is looking to rebound after a tough 2015-2016 campaign. They are off to a good start thus far with a record of 2-1. They picked up a big season-opening win over Clarks Summit 91-60 and then finished 1-1 in the TownPlace Suites Tip-Off tournament this weekend. The defeated Immaculata University 92-60 but then fell in a hard fought game to Ursinus College 67-60 in the championship.
 
Tonight they are on the road taking on the Spartans of York College at 7:00 p.m. and after Thanksgiving break will open up MAC Commonwealth conference play on Nov. 30 against Lycoming College.
 
We decided to talk with junior guard Willie Hope on his experience in this edition of #WhyMessiah
 
What are the names of the rest of your family and where do you fall among siblings?
My parents are Willie Jr. and Natalie Hope and I have a younger brother named Casey.
 
Is there anything unique about your family or members of your family you want to share?
I am a fourth generation Willie Hope. I would be Willie Hope IV, but my great-grandfather didn't have a middle name.
 
Why did you come to Messiah and/or why do you love being at Messiah?
I visited Messiah three times my senior year and each time I loved the community feel that the campus had. The admissions staff was very personal with me, more so than any other college I visited, and I also wanted to go to a school where I could grow in my faith.
 
Why did you choose your specific major here at Messiah? Have you enjoyed your study in it?
I started in communications but then switched to media, culture, and technology because I want to go in to sports broadcasting. I've enjoyed my major because I get an immense amount of hands on experience and I love to help tell stories that are happening around campus or with the sports teams. Also, the instructors are extremely helpful and encouraging.
 
If you could have dinner with one person in history, who would it be and why?
I would love to have dinner with Barack Obama because he embodies many of the values I believe in, and he's caring and very well spoken. He also represents history for my culture and just seems like a cool guy.
 
Who has most influenced your life and why?
My parents because they taught me almost everything I know and they embody true love which is what I aspire to have.
 
What is one of your favorite team traditions and why?
My favorite team tradition is praying before games. With about eight minutes left in warm-ups we go and pray as a team. I like praying before games because it focuses my mind on who we are truly playing and living for.
 
Who is the funniest person on your team and why?
I would say Josh Darville or David Stecz. Josh is so outgoing and hype all the time, but Stez is always sarcastic and making people laugh with his antics.
 
Do you have a pre-game ritual or habit? If so, what is it?
I like to shoot and stretch before games. If we're at home I can shoot in Hitchcock before the game and break a sweat. I like to listen to music before gams as well, mainly J. Cole and It is Well by Bethel.
 
What advice would you give to younger student-athletes looking to play a sport in college?
Choose the school you love and the program that makes you feel wanted. Things will get busy sometimes but try to manage everything, always persevere through the difficult times. Being able to manage many different things at once will pay off and make you a better person and better prepare for life.
 
If you had to answer the question #WhyMessiah what would you say?
I chose Messiah because I love the atmosphere and loved how the school felt like a community. I wanted to go to a school where I could grow in my faith and develop a close relationship with God. Over two years later, I am still happy with my decision.
 

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