As we continue to celebrate the 50th year of Houghton intercollegiate athletics, we offer a new feature that tries to catch up with those student-athletes who made their marks as Highlanders and who have continued to pursue excellence for the glory of God in their professional careers after leaving Houghton. Today, we track down men's basketball player Darren Berkley '93.

Though he stood just 5-11, Berkley put up big numbers for Houghton men's basketball. He finished his four-year career with 1508 points, which stands fifth all-time in the Houghton record books. His 244 career three-pointers rank No. 1 in Houghton history. The two-time all-conference honoree had three seasons where he shot better than 50 percent from long range. Berkley was part of a Houghton team that finished 18-9, earned a top-20 ranking in the NAIA during the season, and made an appearance in the district playoffs.

What were your fondest memories of being a Houghton athlete?
My fondest memories as a Houghton athlete are the relationships that were built with teammates, and the fun we had on our road trips. We went to Florida twice during my four years over Christmas break, and we practiced at Wake Forest, UVA, South Florida, and the University of Florida.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment as a Highlander?
The biggest accomplishment as a team was achieving an NAIA national ranking and an NAIA playoff berth. Individually, making all-conference twice and being ranked nationally in three point and free throw percentages were some highlights. Making all-tournament team at tournaments (Mansfield University, Houghton, Westminster College, University of Pitt-Johnstown and Frostburg State) were highlights also. Beating Westminster College at home was one of our biggest wins (Top 15 ranked NAIA DI) while I was there.

What do you miss most about Houghton?
I definitely miss the Houghton "culture" and camaraderie. My walk with The Lord was really strengthened through the relationships with classmates, coaches and professors at Houghton. Bible studies, "celebration", and many chapels were very important in my growth as a Christian.

How did Houghton prepare you for your career?
Houghton really challenged me to be a Christian leader and use my gifts for His purposes. In all my jobs, I have tried to have a missionary mindset.

What have you been doing since graduation?
After playing basketball overseas until 1995, I was married in 1996 to a Houghton alumnus, Miriam (Anderson). We have two daughters, Hannah (a freshman at College of Charleston) and Myah (15). We moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1998. I taught PE and became the boys varsity basketball coach for 15 years. In 2013, I was hired as the head boys basketball coach at King George HS and PE teacher until 2016. This summer I was hired as the head boys basketball coach and PE/Health teacher for Massaponax HS in Spotsylvania County Virginia. This school has over 2,000 students in grades 9-12.  I have experienced the challenges teaching in a Christian school and large public schools.

Where do you live?
My family currently lives in Woodford, Virginia, which is just a couple miles outside of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

How do you stay busy?
I have played on a Christian basketball team named "One Faith" for the past 15 years.We had many good ministry opportunities playing in local leagues and tournaments. We also did some outreach in the community. I enjoy working out, traveling, and spending time with family when I am not coaching, which is all year round.  I also have done some personal training and private basketball lessons throughout the years.

How have you stayed connected to Houghton?
I still stay in contact with a few of my Houghton friends and teammates.  I look back at the great times, spiritual growth opportunities, and friendships with a smile. Houghton was critical in my development as a Christian coach. I can remember professors really encouraging me to step out in my faith and be a leader.  I wasn't quite there at Houghton but these qualities developed as I matured and moved on.