Orchard Park Football Mike Cieslik
Orchard Park Football

Recruiting

Coach's Corner

January 2023

Orchard Park Football Mike Cieslik

The Quakers Football Program is a storied one! The Quakers have won 14 sectional titles, 2 State Championships and many players have gone on to play football in college after graduation. We have had guys play JUCO, D3, D2 and D1 football. We have also had guys play in the NFL and even in a Super Bowl! #THESTANDARD #OPNE

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Recruiting is my first topic for "Coach’s Corner". Recruiting is a process! I have learned much over the past year and from Coach Dana. I appreciate his efforts and vow to continue to do everything I can for our guys! I want you to have some information about recruiting so you can be aware of some of the things done in the off-season and behind the scenes.

  • ‣ If you can play they will find you! Recruiting coordinators do their HW and reach out in a variety of ways. To date I have met with 30+ colleges and universities about the Quakers!
  • ‣ I am the primary contact. Schools and coaches will rarely reach out to a player and/or parent especially early in the process. There are NCAA rules and regulations regarding contact dates/times/etc…
  • ‣ There are two important considerations that will affect potential recruitment more than any others: GPA and game film! Good grades open doors and bad grades close them. Focus on working to the best of your ability in the classroom. Stereotypes about dumb football players are not true! Prepare your body for the season. Show in season that you can play and will play with passion! Game film doesn’t lie!
  • ‣ Considerations about potential areas of study are important. For example, if you want to become a physical Education teacher and a school wants you to play but doesn’t offer phys ed, you may not be interested. You don’t need answers right away but you can begin to consider options.
  • ‣ Consider location!. Are you interested in a large campus? Smaller campus? City or rural location? Do you have a preference for distance from home? There are an unlimited amount of post secondary options available.
  • ‣ Be well rounded, play sports, help in your community! Be marketable!
  • ‣ The process doesn’t start in the senior year. The sooner we can meet and talk the better! Information is key. Knowledge is important.

So, your son is interested in potentially playing football after their Orchard Park career is over, now what?

  • ‣ Please email or text me! This is step #1.
  • ‣ I will share a google form that asks all information recruiters want: name, address, cell #, ACT/SAT scores, GPA, twitter handle, Hudl profile and highlights, etc. I will compile this form into an "Orchard Park Quakers Prospect list". This list is organized, thorough, and it has received positive feedback from college coaches.
  • ‣ I will schedule a meeting with you and your son (in person) to discuss the process and answer any questions anyone may have. THis is your son’s future, there are no bad questions. The only bad question is the one not asked! I have met at SPOT Coffee, Tim Hortons, etc…at all days and times of the week.
  • ‣ I will share the "Prospect List" every opportunity I get. Everytime a college requests it and anytime there are online recruitment events it will be shared. All players on the list receive attention this way.
  • ‣ Colleges largely focus on the current year's recruiting class. All of my meetings to this point have largely been in regards to the class of 2023. Schools will eventually turn to the class of 2024 in the spring. I will continue to meet and be the contact person for communication.
  • ‣ There are timelines the colleges/universities tend to follow. If at any time you need clarification or assistance please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

I am humbled to be the Head Coach of this program and will always work to let people know the supportive families and players that make it up! We have an elite Quaker Football Family! I look forward to continuing the strong work started by previous head coaches, especially Coach Dana, in the recruiting area. I love the process and working on behalf of our guys like they have done for us in their Quaker career!

Mike Cieslik

mcieslik@opschools.org

716-982-8177

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