There are players that just love the game of basketball and just want to be around a team, Mike is one of those players. You can see his love for the game and it is infectious. Mike is what we like to call a "character" player, meaning he has every character trait you want in a player, a teammate, a friend or in any person you meet for that matter. He is dedicated, shows perseverance, hardworking and is someone who supports all his teammates. You can tell Mike enjoys being around the team and the team enjoys being around him.
I can remember watching a JV game two years ago and Mike came off the bench and WENT OFF, dropping 20 points in less than 10 minutes. The fans and his teammates were going crazy after each basket Mike scored. It was electric to watch everyone rally behind him and cheer him on. It was even more special to watch the team and the entire community rally behind him when he faced adversity last year.
Last season while Mike didn't get a spot on the roster he was more than part of the team. When Coach Otto gave Mike the chance to be a part of the team he jumped at it. He showed up and worked hard at all the practices and cheered the team on at every game, even though he knew it would not result in him seeing the court. Mike just wanted to be around the game and took the opportunity to improve himself and help the team. I had the pleasure of working with Mike this offseason as he and a few other players would show up at my house three times a week to be put through some difficult workouts. Even in the blistering heat, sweating and exhausted Mike would always push himself to get one more rep. That kind effort and dedication EARNED Mike a spot on the roster this year. Every time Mike steps on the court you can feel the entire team is behind him. Coach Otto said, "Mike has done everything I have asked and has taken every opportunity to improve himself. It really shows the kind of strong character he has."
I was struggling to find a way to sum up Mike, but then I saw it in his email address when I sent out questions to him, simply put; belikeMike.
Here are some questions Mike answered:
Where are you going to college?
ECC
What are you majoring in?
Undecided
Favorite sports memory that you were involved in?
Winning Sectionals last year.
Favorite sports memory that you were NOT involved in?
The Bills ending their playoff drought.
What sports moment still leaves a bad taste in your mouth?
Having the season end last year because of the pandemic.
Do you have a pregame ritual?
Eating snacks
Favorite post game meal?
Chick-Fil-A, or pizza
Favorite team?
Bills
Favorite Athlete?
Nikola Jokic
What Senior moment do you miss most not getting to experience because of the pandemic?
Not having a student section at our games.
Is there something you will take away from this pandemic that will stay with you?
Never take anything for granted.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I can eat a whole sheet pizza by myself.
Who do you most look up to?
My mom.
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