Pine-Richland’s Katic credits family, coaches for success on football field
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Wednesday, July 11, 2018 | 5:09 PM
In the eyes of Mike Katic, it’s always family first.
Both of them.
The 6-foot-4, 270-pound offensive and defensive lineman holds both his household mates and his huddle mentors in high regard when it comes to his success on the gridiron.
“My high school coaching and my family,” are the reasons Katic mentioned why he has achieved big things on the field for the Rams and he hopes to continue after graduation at the next level when he heads to Bloomington.
Katic made his college decision last month, picking Indiana over offers from Pitt, Boston College, Cincinnati, Louisville, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple and Virginia.
Katic has a defensive lineman’s mindset on the offensive side of the ball. He moves well with quick feet and is an aggressive, powerful blocker.
The line will be a strength for defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 6A champion Pine-Richland. While the Rams will have to plug in holes at the skill position this season, they have plenty of big men back, including fellow Trib HSSN Preseason 25 teammates Andrew Kristofic and Tyler King.
“I think we are returning a good amount of people that contributed to the championship last year, and I think we can do it again,” he said.
Pine-Richland coach Eric Kasperowicz knows what is expected from his two-way lineman.
“Expecting another great year up front on both sides of the ball,” he said.
As you would expect from a Division I lineman, Katic has spent a lot of time in the weight room since hoisting gold in Hershey last December, prepping for his senior campaign.
“A lot of lifting and outside training for next year,” Katic said.
His strength carries over to the field, as well.
“Toughness, power, quickness, run blocking and athleticism,” Kasperowicz said.
While most big men don’t embrace the thought of running and hitting in the heat of August, Katic says he is fired up for the start of Pine-Richland training camp next in August.
“I love training camp,” he said. “Gives other kids a chance to show what they got against some older kids.”
Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com.
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