Monessen’s Mizerak ‘consummate student-athlete,’ earns college attention

By: George Guido
Saturday, August 17, 2019 | 6:51 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Though his junior season doesn’t start until Friday, Monessen left tackle Mark Mizerak Jr. has been getting plenty of attention from college recruiters.

The 6-foot-4, 288-pound standout has other immediate goals, such as getting the Greyhounds another conference title and keeping up his 4.0 status in the classroom.

“It’s good knowing all that hard work I put in during the offseason, not only with my team, but on my own as well, is all coming together,” Mizerak said during Monessen’s photo day.

“Mark’s coming off a phenomenal offseason,” coach Mike Blainfield said. “He has good strength, good athletic ability and a good understanding of the game. He’s been the anchor of this team over the past few months in building excitement for the coming season. He’s a leader, and he’s outstanding in the classroom as well.”

The Patriot League schools are among those showing interest in Mizerak.

Having college recruiters honing in on Monessen is nothing new. After all, the school has sent 10 players to the NFL over the years, including Sam Havrilak, Bill Malinchak and Doug Crusan, a member of the unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins.

Another recent example is Mick Williams, who is part of the coaching staff.

“It’s the culture of the program,” Mizerak said. “We have to live up to all these guys in years past. We’d like to live up to those standards and win a WPIAL championship.”

Blainfield is taking the opportunity to gain relationships with college scouts.

“It’s building some avenues,” the third-year coach said. “They know what we have here as far as talent. We’re trying more and more to put our athletes on display, going to more camps and hitting the weight room.”

Last season, the Greyhounds finished in a three-way tie for first place in the Tri-County South Conference, but were thwarted by Jeannette for a second straight season in the WPIAL Class A playoffs. Monessen finished with a 7-3 mark.

“The team we want is Jeannette,” Mizerak said. “The last two years we made it to the playoffs, and they knocked us off.”

Before Monessen can worry about a potential playoff game, there is work to be done in the regular season. The staff and players would like nothing more than to finish in the top two of the conference and host a playoff game at historic Monessen Stadium.

Not satisfied with being just a good player, Mizerak wants to get his game to a higher level.

He said: “I’m working on my run blocking. I’d like to get better at that and my footwork. The coaches have been working with us with position specifics to try to improve our craft.”

“He’s the consummate student-athlete,” said Blainfield. “He’s everything you want in a football player.”

Other linemates Monessen will build around include freshman Trevian Thompson and senior Carleton Jones.

Blainfield also said sophomore Dayton Carson, who sat out last year and worked to get stronger, has been a surprise of camp on defense.

Tags: Monessen