Houghton University Athletics

Growing up in the “old school” rust belt town of New Castle, Pennsylvania, Darren Berkley didn’t have to go far to get his sports fix. The older legends set the foundation for the area youth and pick-up games of football, basketball and baseball were commonplace among the neighborhood kids. 
 
Berkley dabbled in most sports, but gravitated toward basketball in the 6th grade, and although he was cut from the team, his role as manager kept him involved. The sport became his passion and he made a vow to be the best he could be.
 
His vow – and hard work -- produced fruit.
 
By the time he reached high school, he was a major contributor and led his team to its first-ever WPIAL
finals.
 
When playing at the college level looked like a possibility, his family’s dedication to their faith and Berkley’s own renewed dedication to Christ pushed him toward Christian colleges. Although Houghton entered the picture late, an interaction with Coach Steve Brooks gave Berkley the confidence that he could make a difference on the team right away.
 
“Houghton was a great fit,” says Berkley. He found immediate friends in roommate Dave Brocklehurst and Mike Kinslow and points to his freshman year as one of growth in his walk with the Lord. Later in his career, he remembers Bob Smalley challenging him to start using his gifts to share the gospel. “This started a boldness in me to step out in faith,” recalls Berkley. “George Wells used to write me encouraging notes and tell me how the game looked easy for me. He always told me to “shine the Lord’s light” and play “for HIM.”
 
Berkley recalls fondly the camaraderie among the teammates developed on the court, in dorms and numerous road trips.
 
On the court, Berkley put up big numbers for the Highlanders He finished his four-year career with 1,508 points, which stands fifth all-time in the Houghton record books. His 244 career three-pointers rank No. 1 in Houghton history. He ranked among the NAIA’s top-10 in 3-point percentage and free throw percentage. He was a two-time all-conference selection and 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. He points to that season as his proudest accomplishment as a Highlander. “When I graduated I thought we failed because we didn’t win a championship but looking back we competed well,” says Berkley. “I feel privileged to have played with the school’s all-time leading scorer Dave Binkowski along with some other great players.”
 
“More than the wins and losses have been the opportunities to influence lives. Houghton helped me grow into a Christian leader,” says Berkley. “All the spiritual opportunities in chapel, the dorms, celebration and team trips enabled me to seek the Lord and grow in his grace.”
 
His growth in his faith and basketball skills continued to develop as he participated in five Athletes in Action tours, playing in the Philippines, Bolivia, Brazil, Tunisia and Italy. That experience led to a season playing professionally in Mongolia after graduating. “Living in a foreign country by myself allowed me to rely on the Lord and trust in Him,” says Berkley.  
 
After returning from Mongolia, Berkley married his college sweetheart Miriam Anderson in 1996, and after a visit to Houghton and chatting again with Bob Smalley, Berkley started a career as a high school teacher at Fredericksburg Christian School in Virginia. His teaching position and basketball experience led to an obvious next step as a coach.
 
He coached at Fredericksburg for 13 years and now teaches and coaches at Massaponox High School, where he led his team to the school’s first two district championships in 2019 and 2020 and advanced to last year’s 6A state final four. His overall coaching record is 328-190 in 21 years on the sideline. He says his current position is a great fit and that he really enjoys the kids and his colleagues. “I enjoy helping a player achieve their goals and improve. No greater joy is when I can see a player progress and be successful,” says Berkley.  “Public school is different with sharing my faith.  I try to let my light shine every day and interact with joy.  I have been fortunate to have had players who are open to being coached.  I love teaching the deeper understanding of the game and getting teams to achieve more than they thought.”
 
Berkley’s accomplishment as a high school athlete were recognized in 2012 when he was inducted into the Lawrence County Hall of Fame.
 
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Berkley stays busy as a husband and dad to Hannah and Myah, and he loves to work out and challenge himself to stay in shape. He and Miriam are anticipating the approaching “empty nester” years and enjoyed a cross country motor home trip last year.
 
He tries to stay connected with Houghton friends on Facebook and a few face-to-face. “We reminisce about our Houghton times and the conversation is always filled with laughter,” says Berkley. “We challenge each other spiritually every time we talk.”
 
“I definitely miss the Houghton "culture" and camaraderie,” he says. “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.”

He says his life verse of Ephesians 3:20 humbles him, helps him realize that this is the Lord’s favor and that he needs to be faithful.  It states: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”