Editors Note:  This article was due to release in July of 2010 to kick off the High School Football season.  In an unfortunate turn of events, The North Olmsted School District Levy that was on the May 4, 2010 ballot failed.  Due to the failed levy, the North Olmsted School District has suspended all extracurricular sporting activities until a school levy passes.

While a new tax will not be placed on the residents of the city of North Olmsted, student athletes like the interviewed, Mike Shoemaker, are left shell-shocked and speechless over this turn of events.

I made contact with Mike the day after the election results.  As one could only imagine, Mike, a 17 year old Junior heading into what should be the greatest year of his young life, his Senior year, was extremely emotional.  In a situation which Mike had no control over, and had no impact in, he is left to wonder if he will ever be able to go under center and take another snap as the starting Quarterback for the North Olmsted Eagles.

Mike did express that he was concerned for all of the student athletes at North Olmsted High School.  He stated that without sports, many students may involve themselves in activities which may land them in trouble at home or with the authorities, when under normal circumstances they would be at school related sporting activities.  Mike added that many students will miss out on scholarship opportunities that could have been awarded due to their talents at their respective sports.

It is unfortunate to watch our government and school systems deteriorate community after community as our children and young adults are victimized by mismanagement of funds and resources with respect to their growth and education.

Please continue to with the PFI’s “10 Yards” series with Mike Shoemaker, and support our student athletes in any way possible!

ProFootballinsight takes it’s “10 Yards” segment this week into the High School Football realm, focusing on North Olmsted’s returning starting Quarterback, Mike Shoemaker.

As the North Olmsted Eagles starting Quarterback last year as a Junior, Shoemaker led the Eagles to a 7 and 3 record, going 5 and 2 in division, falling just short of the High School Playoffs. Shoemaker dismantled opposing defenses primarily with his legs, but has an arm to match. Shoemaker racked up 9 touchdowns with 434 yards on 128 attempts. Through the air, Mike passed for 884 yards with 1 touchdown with 73 completions on 137 attempts.

Coming off an exiting 2009 year, ProFootballinsight goes 10 yards with Mike Shoemaker to get his outlook on the 2010 Eagles season and beyond.

PFI: Looking back on your 2009 Football Season, what was your single greatest moment?

MS:  ”Against Amherst in Week 4 last year, we were up seven zero, they battled back tying it up at sevens.  We then drove 80 yards and I took the ball in for the touchdown.  We went on to win the game 21 to 7.”

PFI: And the worst?

MS: ” The worst was against Westlake in Week 6.  Westlake went up 10 to 7 with 4 minutes left…  We needed 61 yards.  We drove 60, then I ran the ball and turned the corner to go in for the game winning touchdown…  The ball was knocked out, I fumbled and we lost the game 10 to 7.”

PFI: Are you stronger because of it?

MS:  ”Oh yeah… After that we closed out the season on a four game winning streak.  I feel that we grew as a team and I matured as a Quarterback.”

PFI: Is Football your favorite sport?

MS:  ”Yes, when ever I am out there on the field I give it my all.  I focused solely on football as this was the only sport I played, and I am looking forward to my Senior season.”

PFI: Who is your most influential person in your life?

MS:  ”It has to be my Grandpa.  He was forced to leave school after his Sophomore year because his Dad died and he had to support his family.  He raised my Mom and she turned out great!  Now we are here as a family and he has been there for me.”

PFI: What is your expectations for the 2010 season?

MS:  ”My personal goals are for me to be the Conference MVP.  As a team, I want to see us be the first Conference Champs from North Olmsted in what I believe to be 16 years.”

PFI: What would make the 2010 season a success in your eyes?

MS:  ”To see us come together as a team and above all, beat Avon Lake.  We have not beat Avon Lake in so long that….  I don’t believe anyone is old enough to tell that story.”

PFI: What is more important to you, individual statistics and accolades, or getting the “W”?

MS:  ”Getting the W by far.  I threw plenty of interceptions last year and had plenty of touchdowns.  The individual thing will play itself out but all that matters is the score at the end of the game.”

PFI: What current College or NFL player to you compare your game to, and why?

MS:  ”Michael Vick.  He can throw, he runs the offense and can take off and run with the ball to get what ever yards he needs.”

PFI: Where do you see Mike Shoemaker at in 2011, 2015 and 2020?

MS:  2011  ”Hopefully going to college.  I plan on majoring in Education.  We will see if a football opportunity comes up, I would take it and run.”

2015  ”Hopefully single and living the life…. Graduated from College and heading towards a family.”

2020  ”Maybe married with kids, and if I have kids, I will be out there coaching them.”

I would like to thank Mike Shoemaker for his time and wish him great luck and success in his 2010 Football campaign and beyond. Feel free to post comments below and show your support for Mike and the rest of the North Olmsted Eagles!

Mike’s 2009 Video Highlights

Check back to this article or become a fan of ProFootballinsight on Facebook or follow fraschettik on Twitter for instant notifications on Mike’s season and much more!

Kurt Fraschetti / ProFootballinsight.net

*** Photo Credit Cleveland.com