Source: Pittsburgh Sports Report
So far in this series, we’ve highlighted past CM wrestlers who have become college coaches and Division I wrestlers. Taking a slightly different approach this week, the Alumni Association is removing our headgears and picking up helmets as we tackle 2010 CM graduate, Mike Hull.
During his days as a Big Mac, Mike was a four-sport athlete, excelling in football, wrestling, baseball, and track. On the football team Mike played linebacker and running back as a captain. #49 helped the Big Mac football team to a winning season record, a feat which has not happened since his time under Coach Montecalvo.
To Mike, fall was for football and spring was for baseball, when the Big Mac was a part of the 2008 AAAA State Championship team and made into a captain over time. In his senior year, Mike was not satisfied with three sports, so he picked up another; in track & field, Mike competed in the 100 meter and shot put. His high school wrestling days are remembered by many wrestling fans because of the 2010 WPIAL finals match against Kiski. Coming down to the last bout, the captain put his shoulder injury aside to clinch the Big Mac’s first of four straight WPIAL AAA Team Championships.
Mike furthered his education at Penn State University, where he continued to play football, following in his father’s footsteps. After a 2010 redshirt year, the Nittany Lion played special teams in 2011. In 2012 “Hull” started to become a household name in State College as he started as an outside linebacker, eventually switching to inside linebacker in the 2014 season. The defenseman was also named a captain in his final season under Coach James Franklin, when he lead his team and the Big 10 in tackles. #43 ended his college football career on a high note after PSU sanctions were lifted and Mike became a Pinstripe Bowl Champion.
Source: Daily Collegian
The Nittany Lion graduated with a degree in finance and signed with the Miami Dolphins after being undrafted. Cut from the lineup in 2015, Mike persevered on the practice squad. He was pulled up later that season for three games. #45 eventually earned a spot as the starting inside linebacker for Miami. During his three seasons with the team in the NFL, he has amassed 35 tackles and 1 interception.
Mike has had quite the career as a Big Mac, Nittany Lion, and now Dolphin. In 2015 he met us to discuss tips with the current wrestlers for the CM Alumni Wrestling Camp. That video can be found below:
Cover Photo Source: Dolphins Wire