EX-RAIDER MOUNDROS MAKES JUMP FROM NO-NAME TO ELITE TEAM LEADER IN HIS FOOTBALL CAREER IN ANN ARBOR

 

In a monumental accomplishment of desire and dedication, Mark Moundros, a three-sport standout in high school at North Farmington ('06), went from walk-on to team captain of the Michigan Wolverines football team this past week. Moundros, whose older brother Kirk also prepped at North Farmington and played football at the University of Michigan ('98-'02), was voted captain by his teammates on Tuesday, along with Stephen Shilling. Receiving the honor of being selected captain of the Maize and Blue football program puts Moundros' name on a list with some of the greatest athletes to ever suit up on the equally legendary and prestigious campus.

 

It's been quite a journey for the 6-0, 230 lb mountain of muscle the past five years: Coming to Ann Arbor as a walk-on in the fall of 2006, Moundros made a quick and positive impression on the coaching staff and earned playing time practically right out of the gate, starting seven contests at fullback as a redshirt freshman in 2007. To anyone who was paying attention - both Carr and RichRod's respective coaching staffs come to mind - realized right away that this was no ordinary "Rudy-esque" walk-on….ie this kid can straight out play some pigskin and the term "garbage or clean-up time' won't ever be applicable when talking about him. He's been a regular in the BIG HOUSE and throughout the BIG TEN Conference for the last 3 years and last season was named the squad's MVP of the special teams. This year Moundros has decided to make the shift to the defensive side of the ball and will see considerable time at various linebacking spots. Going into his senior year, he has already appeared in 37 games, one of the highest totals in walk-on history at the school.

 

The success Moundros has found in the arena of big time college athletics should come to no surprise to those who followed his career in the prep ranks just a few years back. A three-year starter in football and basketball for the Raiders from 2003-2006, he was an all-conference selection in both. During his senior season on the football field - a campaign in which he was named all-state by the Associated Press - , he rushed for over 2000 yards and scored 20 touchdowns on offense and made 90 tackles and 7 sacks on defense. When he wasn't busting it up the gut on the gridiron or tearing up the rim on the hardwood, he was dominating the competition in track and field.

 

FORGET HAIL TO THE VICTORS, HAIL, HAIL TEAM MOUNDROS FROM FARMINGTON HILLS!!!!!!