Athletic? Check. Stable? Check. A winner? David Check.
At the heart of Marquette’s six game unbeaten streak has been a “crazy kid” between the pipes, as redshirt sophomore David Check referred to his childhood self.
In 10 starts this season, Check has posted five shutouts, a .64 goals against average and twice been named Big East Goalkeeper of the Week. On Oct. 1 he also held the then No. 1 scoring offense in the country, the Connecticut Huskies, to one goal in a double-overtime draw.
Check said his biggest accomplishment this season has been “just getting to play.”
Marquette (4-3-4, 1-0-2 Big East) has already won as many games this year as it did all of last year. Junior defender Michael Alfano said Check has played a significant role in the team’s success.
“He’s definitely kept us in a lot of games, and I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate him out there,” Alfano said.
While some goalkeepers earn their statistics because of strong play in front of them or limited shot attempts their way, associate head coach Stan Anderson said Check’s are an actual reflection of his play.
“He’s just in a zone right now where he’s getting those results,” Anderson said, “and he’s performing admirably in them. He’s not sitting back there with a pillow.”
Check came into the season with zero collegiate starts and 45 minutes of college game time. In that regard, Check’s play thus far has surprised Anderson. But Anderson said he knew Check could be this successful based upon performances in training.
Eight of Check’s 10 starts have been against non-Big East foes. All of Marquette’s six remaining games are against Big East teams. Anderson said Check’s strong performance should continue into the heart of Marquette’s Big East schedule.
“He doesn’t have real highs or real lows; he’s a stable dude,” Anderson said. “He doesn’t get down with a goal, he doesn’t get too high up with a great save or anything like that. So with that stability, I expect him to perform at that level.”
For Anderson, what sets Check apart from other goalkeepers in the country is his athleticism. Anderson called Check a “freak” and compared him to a “piece of plexiglass with gloves.”
Senior Keenan Flynn began the year as the starter, but after allowing four goals against Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the season opener on Sept. 1, was pulled in favor of Check.
Not starting from the beginning of the year disappointed Check, but he said Anderson had to pick the player he thought would give the team the best opportunity to win.
“I didn’t come to sit on the bench, but then again, it’s the nature of our position. There’s only one person that can play,” Check said.
Right now, Check is the guy between the pipes. But Anderson said that isn’t set in stone for the rest of the season.
“He’s playing as the No.1 right now, and through performance he will keep that,” Anderson said. “Should he slip up we have a guy who is ready. Should he slip up,we’ll have a talk about it and reload for the next game.”
