Ask any coach or athlete what they believe is the key ingredient needed to win a game and the answer most will likely give is teamwork. How this is achieved varies from team to team, but ultimately the players and coaches become connected enough with each other that the unit functions like a family.
For John Carroll University senior football players Michael Nettling and Dane Schaffer, they did not have to go far to achieve that family atmosphere.
The fact is they were already family long before they were Blue Streaks.
Mike and Dane are cousins and have grown up together playing video games, riding bikes, and of course participating in sports.
Grade school was their first taste of competition as they battled together on a basketball team. After that, Mike and Dane went to rival high schools to play football. Mike went to Walsh Jesuit to play linebacker and Dane attended St. Vincent-St. Mary to play defensive line. Though they were competing on the field, they never forgot the family ties.
“It was never been about trash talking between us,” said Nettling. “We weren't brought up that way. Our families just loved watching us play.”
During their high school careers, they faced off twice on the football field where Mike won both outings. As soon as the game ended, Mike was the first one to meet Dane after the game and congratulate him on a job well done.
Ever since they were young Mike and Dane talked about going to the same college. When it came down to deciding where John Carroll had everything the wanted.
“These were our type of guys here,” said Schaffer. “They are here for one reason, and that was the team.”
John Carroll got the package deal, and is benefitting largely from it. Nettling has having an All-American season as the conference leader in tackles, and Schaffer should also be receiving recognition for his play on a young defensive line that still is ranked third in the conference in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed.
In a year were injuries could have derailed the season, Nettling and Schaffer stepped up as leaders to hold things together.
“Injuries are a part of the game,” said Nettling. “If you are a competitor, then you still are going to go out and do what you can to help your team be successful. You can't get caught up in what you have no control over.”
They have done their respective jobs quite well this season, amassing over 130 tackles between them. With Dane on the front line, and Mike at his linebacker position, the two often combine at the point of attack. As the cousins are also roommates, there question must be asked if the two can communicate telepathically on the field.
“I can't read his mind,” said Schaffer. “I just try to do my job and keep guys off Mike so he can do his job.”
