After two seasons on the practices roster, Sarnia native Mitchell Smiley is loving life as a CIS footballer.
The third year Criminology student has suited up with the University of Western Mustangs in all three games this season. He even had a 34 yard kickoff return in Western's 74-15 route over the University of Waterloo Saturday.
Smiley, who wears number 36, says after two years of paying his dues, it feels good to get an opportunity to contribute.
"It's a great feeling to finally get in, knowing that all the practice and hard work is paying off," says Smiley. "Western is a great football team, and they have so many older guys, you just gotta wait and put your time in and if you work hard you'll get your opportunity."
This is Smiley's first year travelling with the team, which has been an adjustment for him to make sure he keeps his marks up.
"If you can't stay in school, you can't stay on the football team."
The graduate of Northern Collegiate, developed his football skills with the SMAA and Sarnia Sturgeons programs.
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Here's the full interview with Mitchell Smiley:
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Mitchell-Smiley.mp3"][/audio]