Hammersmith has big plans for his future beyond college
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With plans of enlisting into the military after college, Nate Hammersmith is not your average student athlete. Coming from a small farm town in Ohio, Hammersmith plans on carrying on a family legacy.
“I’ve always felt that part of my calling was to become part of the military,” Hammersmith said. “It’s a way to honor my great uncle.”
Your average college student normally doesn’t have it all figured out. Most students would say they’re more worried about what their plans are for the weekend, not something three to four years down the road. For Hammersmith, his plan is more of a progressive one, as he is focused on the bigger picture.
“I’m using my time here at Grand Valley State University as a stepping stone to my future,” Hammersmith said. “I think that being a part of the track team will prepare me for bigger obstacles further down the road.”
If there’s one thing you need most for the military, or being on a collegiate track team, it’s work ethic. According to Hammersmith’s teammates, he has more than enough.
“You look at Nate and he is always leading workouts,” said freshman Zakry O’brien. “He’s someone that everyone can look up to.”
Hammersmith recently broke his own school record this past weekend in the 300-meter dash with a time of 34.62. As many athletes strive for accolades and records, Hammersmith admits that such things aren’t as important to him.
“I don’t look at records too highly,” Hammersmith said. “It’s more of another step towards an ultimate goal of graduating.”
More humble than most, Hammersmith thinks so little of his accolades that he wants to see his younger teammates surpass him when his time is done as a Laker.
“Another one of my goals is to see the younger guys beat my records that I have established here at Grand Valley State University. If that happens, I know I have succeeded in being a leader, and a teammate,” he said.
As Hammersmith has surpassed his midway point of his career at GVSU, his role on the team has furthermore revolved into an outspoken leader.
“Before, I would simply lead by example,” Hammersmith said. “Now I try to be more vocal. I am always preaching to the younger kids to listen to the coaches. Also, that it’s a grind, and it will pay off in the end.
One person who has had a first hand view at Hammersmith’s progress as a teammate and leader is head coach Jerry Baltes.
“He’s one of our go to guys,” Baltes said. “He’s now front and center for everyone on the team to look up to.”
Whether it’s the 4×400, the 4×100, or any open sprint event, you can see Hammersmith leading his team with the work ethic instilled in him by his family roots.
tbaker@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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