Mike signs his letter of intent to accept a full scholarship at Syracuse University
as his parents and support team looks on.

A very excited Mike Owen officially signed with Syracuse University for a full athletic scholarship on Wednesday, February 2nd. Next fall, Mike will exchange his blue jersey for an orange one, and he’ll also begin his academic pursuit at an outstanding university.

“Syracuse is a Division I sports school and they produce national championship level athletes,” proclaimed Bill Groth, the District’s Athletic Director, “but it also has an outstanding academic record. It’s a touchdown for Mike!”

During his junior year, Mike helped lead his team to the Long Island Championship by rushing 1,100 yards, making 13 touchdowns and 113 tackles. In spite of an elbow injury that kept the 6’3” 235 lb. linebacker from seeing action until the last four games of this season, Mike kept up his optimism and enthusiasm and managed to make 51 tackles in four games.

“He never gave up,” said his mom, Pam Owen. “Mike’s a real believer.”

“He’s also a real team leader,” RHS principal John Merone said of Owen. “While he was sidelined he helped coach and spur on his teammates. He’s a member of the Varsity Leader’s Club and a natural leader. We’re going to miss him. He’s a great kid!”

"He's an excellent athlete and a good student," chimed in his football coach Leif Shay. "He's a three-sport student (football, basketball and track throughout all four years of high school), and he's worked hard to get where he is today. He started in the PAL program and showed himself to be a true football player. He's had great family support and a scholarship that's worth about $46,000 a year will help him realize his academic dreams."

Mike, who is a strong B student and a member of the National Foreign Language Honor Society, plans to become a physics teacher. “I like math and science, and physics is a great blend of both. My physics teacher, Mr. Wallace, really turned me on to physics. I'd like to pass that enthusiasm on to other kids, so I'd like to teach. I'm very excited.”


Photo caption: The supporting team, (L-R) RHS Guidance Counselor Suzanne Maurino, District Athletic Director Bill Groth, Pam Owen (Mike's mom), Varsity Football Coach Leif Shay, Don Owen (Mike's dad), Assistant Coach Steve Failla and RHS Principal John Merone, beams after Mike Owen signs his agreement with Syracuse Unviversity for a full athletic scholarship.


Related Link: News Review Story (June 2005)
Story in Newsday (February 2005)