Sandburg's Schofield leads Southland contingent to Big Ten schools

Mike Schofield (left) and Tony Stramaglia sign their college letters of intent Wednesday at Sandburg High School. Schofield will play football at the University of Michigan; Stramaglia at  Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Watching are (from left) parents Michael and Kathy Schofield, Sandburg High School varsity football head coach Dave Wierzal, and parents Carol and Don Stramaglia.
(Art Vassy/SouthtownStar)

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What was the most difficult situation Sandburg's Mike Schofield found himself in during the last two months?

"It sure wasn't accepting a football scholarship to the University of Michigan," the 6-foot-7, 275-pound offensive lineman said with a big smile.

That, Schofield officially did Wednesday, when he signed a letter of intent from the Ann Arbor school. Athletes around the country - including dozens from the Southland - echoed Schofield's actions on national signing day, the first day a high school senior can sign a college football letter of intent.

"The toughest thing I've had to do was taking that plane ride to Hawaii in December (for the Hawaii Prep Classic All-Star Game). On the way there, we had a short stop in Dallas. On the way home, it was nine hours nonstop. You're on the plane so long, it feels like you lose circulation in your legs.

"But in between the flights, it was a great week in Hawaii. We went to luaus, did some surfing and kayaking, and our Mainland All-Star team won the game, 22-8 over the All-Stars from Hawaii.

"Before the game, I was pretty confident of my abilities," Schofield continued. "After the game, I was even more confident. It was a great experience being able to play against future college players. Despite the long plane rides, I hope I get a chance to go back to Hawaii some day."

On this national signing day, Schofield is a headliner with a very bright future.

"Mike will be playing at one of the most storied football schools in the nation," Sandburg coach David Wierzal said. "Mike was impressed with the Michigan coaches, facilities and their commitment to excellence both academically and athletically.

"Mike is special because of his personal work ethic and his commitment to best-play, best-effort from start to finish, in any drill or during any play."

Schofield, who wants to major in kinesiology, was happy that Wednesday's signing day finally arrived. He verbally committed to Michigan in June, choosing the Wolverines over Iowa.

"I committed to Michigan last summer because I really believe I made the right choice," he said. "Committing early was really a big load off my back.

"(Michigan head) coach (Rich) Rodriguez is cool and down to earth. I really like weight training, and I'm impressed with their strength and conditioning program, led by coach (Mike) Barwis. It's going to be so cool playing in front of 110,000 fans (at Michigan Stadium).

"It's really amazing everything that has happened," Schofield added. "I was thinking back to when I started age-group football with the Orland Park Pioneers, then when I got called up for the state playoffs as a sophomore at Sandburg. I want to thank all of my coaches for helping me get to this point. I feel so good for my parents (Mike and Kathy). I know they are proud."

Schofield will hit the ground running after graduating from Sandburg in late May.

"I'm enrolled in Michigan's summer school program and I'll be getting in shape for football," Schofield said. "It's going to take a lot of extra work to be successful in college."

What advice would Schofield give to younger high school football stars who are dreaming of playing football in college?

"Find the college that's best for you," he said. "You don't want to go somewhere and then have to transfer. Try to make a good decision."

Southland players who are also heading to Big Ten teams are Brother Rice kicker/punter Dan Orseske (Minnesota), Homewood-Flossmoor end/linebacker Michael Buchanan (Illinois), Mount Carmel lineman Anthony Battle (Northwestern), Mount Carmel linebacker Dimitrius Carr (Indiana), Providence Catholic lineman Patrick Ward (Northwestern) and St. Rita linebacker Marty Hopkins (Iowa).

SouthtownStar 2008 Player of the Year Jordan Lynch will battle for quarterback playing time at Northern Illinois.

Alan Macey can be reached at amacey@southtownstar.com or (708) 802-8834.