Since taking over Slippery Rock's football program twenty-one years ago, Dr. George Mihalik has achieved – and exceeded – his goal of establishing "The Rock" as an elite member of the PSAC. Off the field, Mihalik belongs to an elite group of head coaches owning a doctorate degree.
Mihalik discusses his perspective on academics and athletics in Coach Insider.
With your team's success under your tenure, how do you keep your players humbled and prepared for each game?
With success, it's important to not let yourself get too high or overconfident with winning. Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future; focus on the present.
As a professor and a head coach, how do you ensure that players appropriately balance athletics and academics?
The fact that I am a professor and a head coach helps me to appreciate what my players must do in order to maintain the balance between athletics and academics. When you actually do what you ask your players to do it's easier to understand the demands on their time.
What values and principles are your players learning through football?
Our program requires young men to have discipline, a strong work ethic and the ability to be a team player. Handling success and dealing with adversity are also part of the game. It may be a cliché, but football does teach valuable lessons for life.
Do you expect your football players to volunteer in the community? If yes, what are the requirements?
We believe it is necessary for our players to give back to others in the community. They are required to complete one volunteer service ability per year. Many players do more than one.
How do you incorporate the philosophy of "winning the right way" with your team?
We constantly talk about being a first class program. With that philosophy, in all that you do, there is a right way and a wrong way. Winning "the right way" is no exception.
What coach did you most admire growing up and why?
Coach Bob DiSpirito, who was my head coach while I was a player here at The Rock. "Coach D" was more than just about football. He taught us the importance of having a spiritual, family, academic and athletic commitment in our lives.
Recall for us your all-time favorite college football game or individual play.
The year was 1998. With one second remaining, we intercepted a pass on our own 40-yard line. On the next play, we threw the classic "Hail Mary" pass for a touchdown. That was the year we played in the semifinal game of the NCAA Division II national playoffs. The play was selected as one of the ESPN "Plays of the Week."
If you were evaluating game film of yourself as a high school senior, would that player be recruited to play at Slippery Rock today?
Probably not. I would have been considered too slow.
Vacations for a head coach are probably few and far between, but how do you relax during the off-season?
Any opportunity to spend time with family is important to me. Time spent at Camp Deacon, the family cabin, is extra special.
What is your favorite movie of all time and the best movie you've seen recently?
Rudy, because of the message it portrays. Time restraints limit the opportunity to attend and see many movies. However, I recently did get to see "The Express," the story of Syracuse running back Ernie Davis. Great movie!
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