MISHAWAKA — You need your point guard to be smart, unflappable, and gutsy. Our newest Burger King Outstanding Student Athlete, Penn's Tom Kurth, has been like that for four years.

Never too flashy, but always steady, Tom Kurth wants to be remembered for at least one thing.

"Hard work. Ever since I was that 4-year-old kid dribbling basketballs through chairs at IU. It's been the story of my life. Getting what I wanted, there was always hard work along the line," Kurth told WSBT Sports.

That hard work paid off in, at the very least, a scholarship to play D-1 ball for the great Homer Drew at Valpo.

A four-year starter who always had his hands on the ball, Kurth's ability to guide will leave a huge void in the Kingsmen program.

"Coming in new, it was a pleasure getting to know Tom. He's been quite the leader and he has a great future ahead of him," said Coach Al Rhodes.

The past and present haven't been too shabby, either. Kurth was a part of 69 wins and five championship teams, he's a McDonald's All-American Nominee, and a top-flight student. He'll study Business Administration. And with a last name like Kurth, might coaching be in the cards?

"Yeah, it seems to run in my family. If that's what I'm supposed to do, I'll do it, but I'm trying to go in a different direction," said Kurth with a smile.

No matter what he chooses, Kurth will come back to his old stand-by — rolling up the sleeves and punching in.

"I'd like to be remembered as a hard worker. It's all I've ever known, and I'll continue to do it," said Kurth.