Q&A with Shamokin's Michael Yucha
Q&A with Shamokin's Michael Yucha
Who: Mike Yucha
Team: Shamokin Indians
Why: Yucha is one of the best lineman in District 4. He returns to anchor the line for the defending District 4 AAA champion, Shamokin Indians. Last year, the Indians the started out 3-7 but they made the playoffs. When this happened, something happened in the Shamokin locker room and the Indians went on a 3 game winning streak beating Shik, Milton, and Clearfield. The Clearfield team they beat finished 11-2. Shamokin returns lots of their skill guys including sophomore quarterback Tucker Yost, running back Draven Miller, running back Anthony Anonia, fullback Andrew Hasuga, and defensive back/rb Zach Tillet.
Photo from the News Item
Now, let's get to know Mike Yucha
Last year was a roller coaster season. What changed with your team that allowed you guys to have the end of the year success you had?
After having pressure applied as to having a successful season, we all worked together as one. After seeing how everyone played together instead of for themselves, we all realized how successful and great we can be. This changed the whole meaning of Shamokin Football for us.
How has Coach Dan Foor changed the culture of the football program at Shamokin?
Coach Foor is an intelligent coach. He has his ups and downs as any human being does but he definitely likes to start the program on a young base and work the team with experience. Constant repetition and walkthroughs played a huge part in the teams success late in the games. The culture of Shamokin Football really changed as to teamwork. In past years the idea was to play for yourself and look good, but even in my freshman year Coach Foor was trying to change that. I feel this past year really rose on teamwork and will continue to rise this upcoming year.
Of all the teams you play, who has the best uniforms?
Southern Columbia.
Where is the best place to eat in Shamokin and what is the best thing on the menu?
O.I.P. chicken tenders dipped in mild sauce with ranch dressing on the side OR buffalo chicken pizza.
Tell us what it's like to play in the Coal Bucket Bowl? That game and the week leading up to it has to be awesome to participate in!
The Coal Bucket game is something unexplainable. The whole week is filled with intensity and focus. When game day finally comes, the faculty knows it, the students feel it, and the players live it. It is nothing but a crazy coal region football game run on nothing but the will to win and the pride of your school. It's a brawl. Although its been years and years since we had the bucket, we refuse to let the Tornadoes keep it this year.
Last year, you guys started a freshman Tucker Yost at quarterback. Was it hard to have faith in a 9th grader or was he the real deal from day 1?
Tucker started off shaky. Yet again, what freshman wouldn't though? Once he got the hang of things it was easy to put trust in him. He understood plays, read defenses, threw perfect passes, and lead the offense like an experienced QB should. This kid is the real deal and if I was looking for a QB, I'd have my eye on this kid all year .
What is your favorite thing about playing high school football?
My favorite thing about high school football is the feeling I get when running on the field. Nothing will ever compare to hearing my classmates, family, friends, and the whole town screaming and cheering for the team. It's a thought that gives me the chills just thinking about it.
So you are a lineman, if you could be a skill guy would you be the quarterback, running back, or wide receiver?
I was a pretty good fullback my entire life up until varsity ball but then became "too big" so I would definitely run the ball if I could.
Who has had the biggest impact on you as a football player?
Jared Montgomery. His senior year we became best of competitors with each other at practice and even better friends off the field. Once he realized he had a team behind him to have his back no matter what, his selfish attitude changed and he was an outstanding player. I give the utmost respect to that kid for changing my work ethic and making me give anything it takes to succeed on the field.
Do you have any pregrame rituals?
The only pregame ritual I have is to make sure I am relaxed and ready to play. I go over as many situations I can in my head and just wait for the cue from coach to get the team together and approach the field.
What are your goals for the 2012 season?
Team goals: winning record, district champions, win at least 2 state playoff games, keep the term TEAM known.
Personal goals: all area, all conference, all state, < 100 tackles, at least one defensive TD
You want to be tag team champions of the WWE, who are you picking as your tag team partner and why?
Andrew Hasuga. He's like a brother to me and we know each others every movement. He's a strong kid and I know he'd always have my back because I have his.
What are the top 3-5 songs on your playlist right now?
Sweet Child O' Mine, Young Homie, Scar Tissue, Push, Roxanne
What is something most people don't know about you?
Most people consider me the "dumb football player" but in reality I'm ranked 5th in my class and have been on the distinguished honor roll since it was possible.
We would like to thank Michael for his time and wish the best of luck to him and his fellow Indians this year as they look to build on last year's terrific run! Be sure to sign up for BleacherCoaches.com, the Home of Pennsylvania High School Sports, to reply to this post (it takes all of 1 minute!)
Team: Shamokin Indians
Why: Yucha is one of the best lineman in District 4. He returns to anchor the line for the defending District 4 AAA champion, Shamokin Indians. Last year, the Indians the started out 3-7 but they made the playoffs. When this happened, something happened in the Shamokin locker room and the Indians went on a 3 game winning streak beating Shik, Milton, and Clearfield. The Clearfield team they beat finished 11-2. Shamokin returns lots of their skill guys including sophomore quarterback Tucker Yost, running back Draven Miller, running back Anthony Anonia, fullback Andrew Hasuga, and defensive back/rb Zach Tillet.
Photo from the News Item
Now, let's get to know Mike Yucha
Last year was a roller coaster season. What changed with your team that allowed you guys to have the end of the year success you had?
After having pressure applied as to having a successful season, we all worked together as one. After seeing how everyone played together instead of for themselves, we all realized how successful and great we can be. This changed the whole meaning of Shamokin Football for us.
How has Coach Dan Foor changed the culture of the football program at Shamokin?
Coach Foor is an intelligent coach. He has his ups and downs as any human being does but he definitely likes to start the program on a young base and work the team with experience. Constant repetition and walkthroughs played a huge part in the teams success late in the games. The culture of Shamokin Football really changed as to teamwork. In past years the idea was to play for yourself and look good, but even in my freshman year Coach Foor was trying to change that. I feel this past year really rose on teamwork and will continue to rise this upcoming year.
Of all the teams you play, who has the best uniforms?
Southern Columbia.
Where is the best place to eat in Shamokin and what is the best thing on the menu?
O.I.P. chicken tenders dipped in mild sauce with ranch dressing on the side OR buffalo chicken pizza.
Tell us what it's like to play in the Coal Bucket Bowl? That game and the week leading up to it has to be awesome to participate in!
The Coal Bucket game is something unexplainable. The whole week is filled with intensity and focus. When game day finally comes, the faculty knows it, the students feel it, and the players live it. It is nothing but a crazy coal region football game run on nothing but the will to win and the pride of your school. It's a brawl. Although its been years and years since we had the bucket, we refuse to let the Tornadoes keep it this year.
Last year, you guys started a freshman Tucker Yost at quarterback. Was it hard to have faith in a 9th grader or was he the real deal from day 1?
Tucker started off shaky. Yet again, what freshman wouldn't though? Once he got the hang of things it was easy to put trust in him. He understood plays, read defenses, threw perfect passes, and lead the offense like an experienced QB should. This kid is the real deal and if I was looking for a QB, I'd have my eye on this kid all year .
What is your favorite thing about playing high school football?
My favorite thing about high school football is the feeling I get when running on the field. Nothing will ever compare to hearing my classmates, family, friends, and the whole town screaming and cheering for the team. It's a thought that gives me the chills just thinking about it.
So you are a lineman, if you could be a skill guy would you be the quarterback, running back, or wide receiver?
I was a pretty good fullback my entire life up until varsity ball but then became "too big" so I would definitely run the ball if I could.
Who has had the biggest impact on you as a football player?
Jared Montgomery. His senior year we became best of competitors with each other at practice and even better friends off the field. Once he realized he had a team behind him to have his back no matter what, his selfish attitude changed and he was an outstanding player. I give the utmost respect to that kid for changing my work ethic and making me give anything it takes to succeed on the field.
Do you have any pregrame rituals?
The only pregame ritual I have is to make sure I am relaxed and ready to play. I go over as many situations I can in my head and just wait for the cue from coach to get the team together and approach the field.
What are your goals for the 2012 season?
Team goals: winning record, district champions, win at least 2 state playoff games, keep the term TEAM known.
Personal goals: all area, all conference, all state, < 100 tackles, at least one defensive TD
You want to be tag team champions of the WWE, who are you picking as your tag team partner and why?
Andrew Hasuga. He's like a brother to me and we know each others every movement. He's a strong kid and I know he'd always have my back because I have his.
What are the top 3-5 songs on your playlist right now?
Sweet Child O' Mine, Young Homie, Scar Tissue, Push, Roxanne
What is something most people don't know about you?
Most people consider me the "dumb football player" but in reality I'm ranked 5th in my class and have been on the distinguished honor roll since it was possible.
We would like to thank Michael for his time and wish the best of luck to him and his fellow Indians this year as they look to build on last year's terrific run! Be sure to sign up for BleacherCoaches.com, the Home of Pennsylvania High School Sports, to reply to this post (it takes all of 1 minute!)
Re: Q&A with Shamokin's Michael Yucha
Thanks for the preview! Go Indians! This is the year we take the Coal Bucket