MSUB SPORTS - The seconds are waning and he finally hears the buzzer – his collegiate career is over at Montana State University Billings. Filled with mixed emotion, Mr. Reliable steps off the court as a collegiate athlete for the last time.

Throughout his career, Mark Hamilton helped the Yellowjackets to three NCAA tournament appearances and two conference championships while holding his place in the MSUB record books. Hamilton made his mark being number eight alltime for career points (1,463), number four alltime for career 3-pointers (286), and number four alltime for 3-point field goal percentage (42.56).

But, his feats didn't come easy. Number 14 had to work for what he got in his college career. He had to go beyond the study halls, conditioning, weights, early mornings, homework, and team meetings, to be the kind of player he knew he could be. Luckily, Hamilton knew how to approach a college basketball career because of how he was raised.

HAMILTON STRONG

A product of Columbus, Mont., Hamilton was the youngest of three children born to Ed and Connie Hamilton. He credits his family for the valuable life skills that made him successful.

"My mom gave me my mental focus and sharpness. My dad gave me my work ethic. My brother gave me mental and physical toughness and my sister gave me the ability to read people and how to treat them correctly," said Hamilton.

But most importantly, Mr. Reliable credits his greatest trait – reliability – to his father. "My dad is the number one role model in my life," Hamilton said. "He taught me how to be responsible, reliable, and think team first. I can't remember him ever missing a day of work or missing any of my games."

Hamilton utilized his responsibility, reliability, and humility at Columbus High School to excel as an athlete. Not only was he a standout basketball player but a successful football and track athlete for the Cougars.

Although he had different paths to choose from, Hamilton knew he wanted to pursue a college basketball career. To his approval, Coach Gary Bays offered him a scholarship to play for MSUB in 1994.
 

THE TRUE TEST

While at MSUB, Hamilton had one of the greatest challenges a collegiate athlete could face. Not only was he faced with having a new coach in Coach Craig Carse but he played the same position as the alltime leading scorer in Montana history, Reece Gliko.

Instead of sulking and giving up, Hamilton went to work. "The way I overcame the challenge was to learn Coach Carse's offense inside and out," said Hamilton. "I knew all five positions and what they did in the offense, so when I was given an opportunity to play a position I didn't make a mistake. That gave me the ability to stay on the court and play more minutes."

As Hamilton mastered the offense, he was able to contribute to the overall success of the Yellowjackets. But, he won't take credit for helping the 'Jackets to multiple successful seasons. He links the success to the camaraderie of his teammates.

"My favorite memories go back to the time spent with teammates, mostly off the court," Hamilton said. "We had a group of guys that were great friends and teammates. We would do anything for each other and I would attribute our success to it."

A DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY

Because of the way Mr. Reliable approached the game, he was given valuable opportunities. Although Hamilton studied K-12 health and physical education with a minor in athletic training, he was given the opportunity to pursue a different career path.

"One of my teammates, Ty Elkin, informed me of an opening in Columbus at Yellowstone Bank," said Hamilton. It isn't a surprise that Elkin reached out to Hamilton. As they were teammates he most likely noticed Hamilton's purpose and reliability. 

"My advice to MSUB student athletes is to make sure you have a purpose for what you do on a daily basis. Take advantage of the opportunity you have because it will open doors to them later in life," said Hamilton.

As Hamilton took advantage of his opportunity at MSUB, fulfillment followed at Yellowstone Bank. "I am now the assistant vice president and enjoy what I do," said Mr. Reliable. "I have the opportunity to be a part of the Columbus community and Stillwater Valley. Being able to help a family or individual with banking needs is a fulfilling job."

PROSPERITY

Not only were future employers watching Mr. Reliable's every move in Billings but so was someone else. A Big Timber girl that he would eventually call his own, Julie Plaggemeyer.

"Julie and I met while we both were attending MSUB and we got married in Billings in 2002," said Hamilton. Ironically, current MSUB men's basketball head coach Jamie Stevens and current MSUB athletics director of corporate sales Brent Montague were part of his wedding party.

Stevens, who has become lifelong friends with Hamilton, could foresee prosperity in Hamilton's life. "Mark wasn't the most gifted athlete but he was reliable because he spent countless hours in the gym working on his game. It isn't a surprise that he is where he is today," said Stevens.

Prosperity has continued for Hamilton as he is a father of three girls – Molly (11), Katelyn (9), and Miya (6). "I have a wonderful wife and three wonderful children," said Hamilton.

Ultimately, the prosperity number 14 has had is a result of his greatest attribute, reliability. "To this day I pride myself on being very reliable." And when the clock strikes zero, Mr. Reliable smiles and keeps going.