Holliston’s McKenna Displays True Grit on The Gridiron

Mike McKenna is a Holliston High football player who personifies desire, determination and true grit.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound senior is a dependable starter at tight end and defensive end. But, the road he traveled to become a mainstay for the Panthers came with a detour. Highly regarded as a freshman (he suited up for some varsity games), his sophomore season on the jayvees lasted less than two quarters. A devastating injury in Holliston’s opener against Duxbury ended his season and left him facing surgery for a dislocated and fractured ankle that involved five long months of rehabilitation.
“I was at running back, took a handoff and ran off guard,’’ McKenna recalled. “I was in a pile and hit the ground. The next think I remember was pain and agony. I looked at my left foot and saw that it wasn’t straight.’’
What followed was stabilization of his ankle, a boot and crutches, surgery that included a plate and screws, a cast and physical therapy three times a week.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and during the spring that followed his injury, McKenna was playing jayvee and varsity lacrosse. A burning desire to compete again was a high priority and he was acutely aware of the price he had to pay in rehab. “I was itching to get back to football,’’ he said. “My mindset was that if I did all the right things, I knew I would heal. I’d get back to being almost 100 percent.’’
His junior season of football was a transition — he was in a reserve role at tight end and defensive end but he played solidly on special teams. He competed so well he didn’t miss a beat in Holliston’s Super Bowl victory over Chicopee Comprehensive.
“I was playing at about 85 percent,’’ McKenna said. “I never thought about my ankle during the game. I was playing on kickoffs and punts, all aspects of special teams. What a thrill to be part of a Super Bowl championship. That’s been my top moment in sports.’’
When the winter began, McKenna competed in indoor track, and he placed on occasions in the shot put.
“I got a lot of support from my parents (Mike and Kathy), friends and teammates,’’ McKenna said about his road to recovery. “As a senior now, I’m 99 percent back and I’m looking forward to another Super Bowl. My goals are to focus only on our next opponent, win the Tri Valley League Large Division and win the Super Bowl. For me individually, I want to be an impactful player, and I want to go a full season healthy.’’
Holliston coach Todd Kiley admires McKenna’s dedication and speaks in superlatives about his character and ability. “Mike had a long road back, and he handled his rehab very well. He’s one of our fastest and strongest players. He’s versatile, tough, athletic, humble and extremely coachable. His progress had led to confidence and enabled him to reach his potential.’’
McKenna knows another Super Bowl appearance takes work and leadership. And, he understands the Panthers may not be as experienced as last year. But he likes the team’s depth and the leadership of its four senior captains.
“Mark Mulvaney never quits at tackle, Jack Barrett is a great leader at QB, Sam Athy is a passionate player at receiver and safety and Sam Radcliffe is a workhorse at running back and linebacker,’’ McKenna said. “And, coach Kiley is a great motivator and teacher of the game. He’s the best in terms of strategy, and he’s got tremendous passion for the game.’’
Whether McKenna is at tight end or on defense, he relies on strength, speed, quickness off the ball, and instincts. “Where I can improve is running better routes and being more aware of figuring out alignments on defense,’’ he noted. “To be a good football player, it takes work ethic, versatility and being smart in a variety of situations.’’
McKenna played end in Holliston’s opener against Millis. He scored a touchdown on a 29-yard reception, helping the Panthers down the Mohawks, 28-7, in their opener.
An honor-roll student, McKenna isn’t sure if he’ll pursue football in college. He plans on majoring in engineering.
For the present, however, his sights are on football. Relying on a philosophy of playing to one’s potential and giving 100 percent, he also strives to win. Fully cognizant that athletics teach life lessons, McKenna knows the value of working with teammates, setting goals and developing bonds and friendships. “You learn things through sports that you don’t acquire in a classroom,’’ the personable McKenna said.
He also learned a difficult but valuable lesson when he suffered his ankle injury two years ago. Mike McKenna learned how to overcome adversity.
“Good health can be fragile,’’ he said. “It’s there, but in a split second you can lose it.’’