2 - of College Football Games

21
21
After an impressive rookie season as
a starting defensive lineman with the
Western Mustangs, Mike Van Praet is
back for another exciting year of
football.
Van Praet graduated
from Mother Teresa
and served as the
captain of the Spartans
football team. He was
also a captain with the
London Falcons and
played for this team
for four years. He
was recruited to
Western as
one of the top
lineman in
the nation.
Van Praet’s
first year with
the team was
a memorable one.
He describes his experience
as something very special,
particularly as a first-year
starter. He enjoyed playing in
front of thousands of people
and putting his all into each
and every game. Van Praet
by Richelle Lowry
was awarded Rookie of the Year for the
Mustangs in 2008 based on his dedication
and discipline.
His best piece of advice for rookie players
is to work hard. He explains that the
physical and mental commitment to the
program can be tough, but every effort is
worth it. Van Praet took on the challenge
in his first year and committed himself to
tireless practices and intense work-outs.
His dedication to off-season training even,
will help him to perform his best in 2009.
As a player at Western, he understands
the importance of learning from his
coaches and fellow teammates. The
more a player can take in from those with
tremendous experience, the better off the
player will be.
Finally, Van Praet enjoys being with the
team day-in and day-out. The ongoing
contact has developed a sense of
community and family among team
members and any others involved. Van
Praet values his on-field relationships as
well as those back home; He receives
constant support and encouragement
from his father and mother, Jeff and
Alison. His father in fact, has never missed
a single game.