PASSION, PURPOSE, PERSPECTIVE – ARIZONA STATE’S STRUHS READY TO ‘FINISH THE FIGHT’

(INDIO) – Passion, purpose, and perspective are required equipment in scaling life’s obstacles, reaching your potential, and leading a life of endurance.

Perspective for Arizona State rookie lineman Mitch Struhs hit home when he was just 12 years old. Gary Dean Struhs, his father, idol, mentor, coach and best friend – was taken from the family by a sudden heart attack, at age 39. The elder Struhs had been an All-State center and offensive tackle at Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho, where a 32-game win streak earned three state championships under local coaching legend Preston Hailey.

Family responsibilities prevented his dad from further pursuing football, but he instilled that purpose and passion into the younger Mitch. Struhs battled his way from a converted tight end at Red Mountain High School, to Scottsdale Community College, before finally earning a roster spot as an offensive lineman at Arizona State.

Now a Coyote rookie trying to earn an NFL or CFL look, Struhs, 6-3, 280, is braced for the steep road ahead. His humbling journey is remarkable – and a lesson to all in passion, purpose and perspective.

The following is Struhs’ own words, in an email to America’s #1 Developmental Pro Football Program™.

-SVP Ron DiGrandi ([email protected])

******FROM THE COYOTE MAILBAG******

“I was eight years old when I discovered my passion and love for the game of football. Not because of the packed stadiums with 75,000 fans, or the game-changing highlights on ESPN, or even the best day of the year, Super Bowl Sunday, but because of the values and life lessons the game of football teaches. How to be on time. How to handle pain. How to be disciplined. How to adjust to life-altering events throughout your life. How to be a dedicated team player.

“I’m so thankful to have had humble beginnings. I wasn’t D-1 out of high school. I had to work through the junior college route. I had to learn about hard work and sacrifice. When I made D-1 at Arizona State, it was a dream come true, and a dream fulfilled for my dad, something I wished he could have seen. It made me appreciate every minute. It made me thankful for every trial in my life.

“I’ve been very blessed and fortunate to be trained by some great coaches. My position coach my freshman year at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona was former Oakland Raider Jeremy Brigham, who played under John Gruden, and played in Super Bowl 37. Coach Brigham taught me many different blocking schemes and techniques, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have had him as a coach so early in my college career.

“I was introduced to Jim Anderson, a former running backs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, at a Hall of Fame reunion brunch at Scottsdale Community College. Jim became a great mentor over the past four years, and his extensive knowledge of the game and guidance is a big part of my football success.

“It’s by God’s grace and blessings I’m even where I’m at today, both on and off the field. I chose the Coyote organization because, as they say, ‘faith, family, football’ here isn’t just a bumper sticker. It’s a lifestyle. I’ve got more life-changing lessons ahead, and I can’t wait.

“Maturity is built upon many of life’s hard lessons. These lessons have prepared me for my beautiful wife Chanel, and our first daughter, who’s coming in December. I’m ready for this next adventure in my life and ready to showcase my skills on film, which hopefully will lead to an NFL or CFL opportunity next year.

“To everyone reading this, I want to encourage you. All things are possible. Especially if you have faith, a family that gives you tremendous support, and you constantly put forth that extra helping of effort.

“I’m ready. Let’s finish the fight.”

-MITCH STRUHS