Editors Note: We are really excited to have Sean Meekins, Trinity ’15, join us as a contributor as we continue to grow and add writers.
I was able to get a hold of James McCullagh ’18, an incoming big man to Trinity, from Chaminade, a prestigious high school on Long Island. James took time out of his day to talk with me on the phone about basketball and his transition to a new team, school, and environment.
Sean Meekins: James, I know you were a part of the team that won the Long Island championship in your junior season. Obviously that was a great memory, but what was your best memory of your senior season?
James McCullagh: One of my best memories was beating Holy Trinity at home by 25. That was one of the games where we played as a team and everyone contributed. They were one of the top teams in our league and it proved to others that we had what it takes to win.
SM: Did you play any other spots besides basketball?
JM: I was on the track team my freshman year. Then I played football, basketball, and volleyball my sophomore year, and basketball and volleyball my junior year. Senior year, I decided to focus solely on basketball because that is what I was planning on pursuing in college.
SM: What are you going to miss most about your high school basketball experience?
JM: The team camaraderie based on the bond that we formed throughout our high school career.
SM: What made you choose Trinity?
JM: I first heard about Trinity because of its academic reputation, so when Coach Cosgrove contacted me I was excited to visit campus. When I went on a campus tour and met the team I knew it would be a good fit both academically and athletically.
SM: What do you think the biggest transition will be from high school to college in terms of basketball?
JM: The physicality and the quick pace of every game. The games will be much more intense compared to the high school level.
SM: Are you excited to play for Coach Cosgrove?
JM: Yes, because he pushes you to get better in all aspects of the game. I believe his coaching style will be very effective for my type of play.
SM: Trinity had very successful season last year and really showed significant improvement. What do you think you can contribute to a team that is returning a good core of their players?
JM: I can learn a lot from the upperclassmen and can contribute a big body that can rebound and play solid defense. I am looking to help out the team in any way that I can.
SM: Have you met any of the other incoming freshmen? Do you think that you can form the same bond you shared with your high school team?
JM: I met Eric Gendron ’18 who I will be rooming with in the fall. We have common goals for the season and I hope during pre season workouts we lay the foundations for a successful four years on the court.
SM: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk. You seem excited for the upcoming season. Hope that workouts in the fall go well and that you guys can continue to show success this winter.