#CFCOPC PLAYERS TO WATCH: Team West Varsity OL Micieli enjoying experience

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on the April 29^th weekend at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to the OPC, CFC will preview the teams and players participating in the big event.

Mike Micieli is excited to be part of the OPC.

“I am excited to play in the game and have the opportunity to be coached by great coaches, I’m also excited to be playing with and against some of the top players in Ontario,” explained Micieli.

In his time on the gridiron Micieli has suited up for two teams.  Micieli is a member of his high school football team, the Cardinal Newman Cardinals of Hamilton Wentworth Catholic Athletic Association (HWCAA). Additionally, Micieli is also on the Hamilton Hurricanes of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

When he’s on the field Micieli primarily plays guard, but he also plays center as well.

Ever since Mike Micieli was six years old he felt at home in the trenches of the o-line. Mike mentioned, “The longer I play, the more I enjoy the physicality and intricacies of playing O- line. I also enjoy the teamwork amongst my other O- line mates.”

There were a few highlights from last year for Micieli. Winning the HWCAA and GHAC championships were right at the top but one particular moment stood out for Mike. Overcoming a 31 point deficit against their rival team the St.Thomas More Knights to win the city championships was the most significant highlight for Micieli.

 

When he was younger, Mike used to watch a lot of football focusing on the o-line play and try to pick up pointers but he didn’t have any favorite players. Now, he has taken inspiration from Hamilton Tiger Cat center Mike Filer. “Like myself he’s not the biggest lineman on the field but he takes on much bigger opponents with great success” added Micieli.

Mike’s had the opportunity to work out at the same gym as Filer. He watched Filer’s work ethic and dedication to self-improvement. Micieli also enjoys watching Filer play because of his intensity and determination to teamwork.

Micieli has plans on what he wants to do next year. He is considering returning to high school for grade 12B. Mike is also planning on contacting OUA schools and schools out east to pursue any opportunities to play at the next level.

 

So far Micieli has enjoyed the OPC tryouts the last two years and he’s excited to participate in the all-star game.

To prepare himself for the OPC Mike is continuing his normal workout routine of going to the gym, running and watching film. He is watching his film in preparation for the all-star game, and the upcoming OFC and school football seasons.

While he’s at the OPC, Micieli hopes to receive constructive feedback on how he can improve his performance and become a better football player. Mike also hopes to play a positive role in the success of Team West’s game and work hard with the rest of his teammates to have a great game.

When asked what he is looking forward to at the OPC Micieli replied, “I am looking forward to the opportunity of garnering interest from the CIS coaches and scouts in attendance but most of all I want to continue to have an enjoyable experience with OPC”.