Athlete Profile: Asher Michaelis

Football lineman often are underappreciated for the work they put in on the field. Tigerton High School’s Asher Michaelis has earned plenty of praise for his play as an offensive and defensive linemen over his high school career as well as respect from teammates and opponents for his efforts.

Michaelis has made an impact for the Marion/Tigerton co-op from the first day he stepped on the field. He earned second team honors in the Central Wisconsin Conference 8-player division as a defensive lineman in his freshman season.

Michaelis jumped up to first team honors as a defensive lineman in his junior season, while also picking up second team honors as an offensive lineman.

Q: When did your interest in football begin?

A: I would have to say my interest in football first began back in elementary school playing on the playground during recess and that love for the game only grew and grew from there.

Q: What is your favorite part about the football season?

A: My favorite part about the football season is spending time with my teammates that I wouldn’t be able to see during the other sport seasons. I also really enjoy the energy at the games, there’s nothing else like it.

Q: Talk about what playing in a co-op with Marion is like compared to other sports you play in.

A: It’s awesome, everyone gets to know each other and we begin to start a family. We all mean so much to each other that it doesn’t even feel like we’re a co-op, but actually a really big family.

Q: The team has built a little momentum lately with a couple wins in a row. What’s the key to earning even more wins in the weeks to come?

A: We need to keep pushing through and keep the momentum going and the energy high. Without those two key things, the games wouldn’t be fun to play in and that’s what it’s all about, to have fun.

Q: Individually, what goals have you set for yourself this fall and how do you plan to achieve those?

A: I told myself at the beginning of the season, I was not going to give up on myself or my teammates when the times came tough. As well as, when we’re doing good to bring each other up, to be the best teammate and captain I can be.

Q: In your opinion, what are the keys to becoming a successful high school lineman?

A: The biggest thing for me, is confidence. With out confidence, I could struggle all night long on the line. Confidence is key.

Q: As a senior, how do you help lead the rest of the team?

A: I don’t like to be negative on the field, I try to keep everyone in the game and the energy high. As a captain, I try to bring my teammates to another level, stepping them up from who they were to who they could be.

Q: Before a game starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?

A: I usually just think in my head about what I’m going to do every single play and get in the mindset I need to be in to be at my best. I like to also listen to music to get fired up as well.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Marion/Tigerton football team?

A: There is so many, but one that has really stuck out to me is in my freshmen year, the Tigerton guys would take a suburban to practice in Marion everyday, and well, I can’t say what was said because “what happens in the burb, stays in the burb”

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie — “The Fast and Furious” series of movies, I can’t pick just one of them. TV show — “Friends.” Music artist — Papa Roach; it’s how I get fired up before games.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I strongly believe that buffets are the only place a person should eat. It’s so worth it.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I want to go on to a tech school and for either welding or something in the labor industry. I also would like to hopefully come back and help out the team sometimes if my schedule were to okay it.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Asher Michaelis

Sport: Football

Positions: Offensive and defensive line

School: Tigerton High School

Year: Senior