MacDonald, Byrne Enjoy Successful Senior Seasons

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media

On Wednesday March 1, 2023 it was announced that Salem State Vikings men's basketball senior, captain Chris MacDonald (Wakefield, Mass) and senior Conner Byrne were named to the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Second Team after helping the Vikings to an 8-18 overall record and 5-7 finish in conference.

MacDonald, who is majoring in Recreation Management played in all 26 games this season for the Vikings, scoring 13.3 points per game, while shooting 40.1% from the field and 30.3% from the three-point line.  

MacDonald, who flourished as a senior this season was disappointed in the way the season ended, a last second loss to Fitchburg State in the conference quarterfinals, but was proud to be named to the All-Conference team "Our season definitely didn't end the way we wanted it to. The MASCAC is a great conference with a lot of talented players, but I am grateful to be named to one of the All-Conference teams," he said.

MacDonald was excited to share the new with his friends and family. "I received a lot of support and a lot of congratulations," he said. He also added, "They know how hard I worked this summer to improve my game, and they were very happy for me. I am blessed to have such a supportive group of friends and family,"

I found out the news that I was named second team All-Conference on Instagram after being tagged in the post. At the same time my friend/coach Sean Bryan texted Conner and myself as well as head coach Chris Harvey, who texted both of us, offering congratulations and saying it was well deserved and well earned," he said.

One specific moment that resonated with MacDonald this year was the game that the Vikings played on senior night. "Probably one of my favorite moments of this year was "Senior Night," he said. "It was awesome to play in-front of my family and a large crowd. Our team was also very supportive, there was great energy in Twohig that night."   

During that game MacDonald played all 40 minutes, scoring 20 points in a 73-58 win against Framingham State on February 15.

Byrne, who currently majoring in Communications played in all 26 games for the Vikings, scoring 14.0 points per game, while shooting 53% from the field, with 10.5 rebound per game and 0.8 assists per game.

I asked Byrne for his reaction when he was named second team and what does this achievement mean to him." I felt pretty good when I found out, I felt good ending the year on a high note especially after our playoff loss," he said.    

His friends and family were supportive when the All-MASCAC teams were announced. He found out that he was on the All-MASCAC Second Team from his dad. "I found out through my dad, I just woke up that morning and he was the first to tell me about it," he said.

One specific moment that will stay with Byrne was playing with his brothers, senior twin Jarret Byrne and freshman Liam Byrne. "The best moment all year was just sharing the court with people who I would consider great friends of mine. Playing alongside my two brothers at Salem State will be the thing I miss most after my career ends."