By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
Justin Howe is a senior on the Bay Port boys’ soccer team.
The reigning Fox River Classic Conference offensive player of the year, Howe is still undecided where he will attend college, but he hopes to play soccer and become a physical therapist.
Howe recorded 19 goals and eight assists in 2018 for the Pirates.
In his spare time, he likes to travel north to the family cabin, fish and hang out with family and friends.
Name: Justin Howe
School: Bay Port
Sport: Boys’ soccer
Position: Forward
Parents: Kathy and Jason
Tell me about your family.
“I have a younger brother named Josh who is a freshman at Bay Port, and my sister Kate graduated this past school year and will be attending UW-Madison. My mom and dad both grew up in Indiana.”
Do you come from a sports family?
“Josh plays soccer, Kate played soccer, my dad played tennis in college and I don’t think my mom played anything.”
What’s it like playing for head coach Travis Herber?
“He will get on you. After I forgot my shin guards for practice, he said to me, ‘Bring those shin guards or you’re not playing.’ He wants to make you better and is a good guy. There’s another side of him away from the soccer field that is enjoyable.”
How will the team be this year?
“I think we will be good. There are a few freshmen coach has been looking at. We don’t have a lot of juniors and seniors, so it’s pretty balanced. There is a lot of good talent on the team – we can be near the top of the conference.”
You missed most of your sophomore year with injury – that had to be difficult.
“I broke my ankle, and then the first game back, I received a concussion – it was rough.”
Have you tried other sports at Bay Port?
“I did track and field my sophomore year – I was a sprinter.”
Is there one you wish you had tried?
“Hockey. I skate around with my brother at Pinewood – I wish I would have given it a try.”
Do you have a most memorable sports moment?
“Last year during a game against Wausau, I had a free-kick from 30 yards out. I remember sprinting to the half and celebrating with my team after I scored. It was probably my best goal ever.”
An embarrassing one?
“There was a picture that got out there with me falling over – it was a terrible picture.”
Does a favorite family vacation come to mind?
“A few years ago, we went to Germany and saw where my sister was born and where my dad was in the service. It was great seeing everything.”
Do you have any bad habits?
“I fix my hair way too much on the field. I get a lot of flak for that from my parents (laughing).”
What is something about you most people wouldn’t know?
“I was born in Indiana, play guitar and I cracked my head open when I was younger three or four times. I’ve had a lot of stitches.”
How will you be remembered at Bay Port?
“I hope the teachers remember me as a hard-working guy, who gave a lot of effort, was respectful and had a good balance with sports. It’s not easy, but I put school before soccer.”
Summer or winter?
“Summer.”
Arizona for the heat or Alaska for nature?
“Alaska for nature.”
Chocolate or vanilla?
“Vanilla.”
Fruits or veggies?
“Fruits.”
Cats or dogs?
“Cats.”
Favorites
Candy: Skittles
Color: Blue
Ice cream: Vanilla
Superhero: Spiderman
Animal: Elephant