Published August 27, 2008 02:58 am - Anthony Mirando has been to many parts of the country as a member of the Kent State University football team.
A Don McCormack column: Mirando: Friday nights are special
DON McCORMACK Star Beacon
Anthony Mirando has been to many parts of the country as a member of the Kent State University football team.
He has played the Lincoln Financial Field (the home of the Philadelphia Eagles), Virginia Tech, Kentucky and a year ago, storied Ohio Stadium.
On Saturday night, Mirando & Co. will play their first game at Cleveland Browns Stadium when they host Boston College in the FirstMerit Bowl (7, ESPNU).
However, Mirando admits while playing in such bigtime venues is great, it doesn’t hold a candle to playing in the likes of Falcon Pride Stadium and other high school facilities.
“I can’t say enough about what the whole experience of high school football meant to me,” the KSU junior linebacker said. “I’ve played in the Horseshoe, etc., but nothing — and I mean nothing — compares to high school football.”
In terms of just playing the game?
“No, I don’t mean it that way,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I loved playing, but what the game teaches you — on and off the field... I don’t think you can find anything to compare to it.”
Asked to elaborate, he didn’t hesitate.
“Football is tough, it’s not easy,” Mirando said. “It’s a physical game and it beats on you.
“But at the same time, it makes you tougher, physically and mentally, and that has an effect on a lot of what you do.”
Not that Mirando doesn’t enjoy playing the game at the collegiate level.
“Oh, I still love it, but it really is more of a business,” he said. “They don’t put up with much here.”
Like most kids, Mirando made his share of mistakes growing up, which he admits. But he said football — high school football — was one of the things that helped get him pointed back in the right direction.
“I did some things I regret, sure,” he said. “But the thought of not being able to play this game and to experience all of what it gives... well, let’s just say I can’t imagine that.”
Mirando said he received his indoctrination into the game at an early age.
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