As told by Jonathan Davidson
Media Services Student Assistant
Campbell University Athletics

A third year member on this Campbell football unit, Mike Stryffeler has emerged as one of the Camels' primary targets on the field, while notching accolades as a standout in the classroom. Stryffeler has grabbed a team-high 26 catches this season for a pair of touchdowns, and added PFL Academic Honor Roll and ESPN the Magazine academic All-District 3 honors this season.

Q: You grew up in Sanford (only 25 miles away from Campbell) what were your previous experiences with Campbell before joining the football team in 2007?

Stryffeler: I really wasn't familiar with Campbell, even though I did grow up close to there. I heard about my friends going to various sports camps over the summer and they were the only memories I had of Campbell. I am certainly glad that I am here now though.

Q: You were a part of the very first recruiting class to come to Campbell, what do you feel like the biggest difference is between the team now, and when the team started in 2007?

Stryffeler: Experience, we have a lot more strength, speed, and two solid years of working out in the weight room. And having a season of game experience has helped a lot.

Q: Your high school coach, Jody Stouffer, is now a part of the coaching staff at Campbell. What has it been like having him as a member of the coaching staff?

Stryffeler: I think having coach Stouffer down here is great; it's nice to talk about the old high school days and things that happened in Sanford. It's great to have him here. He is a good coach and has done a great job here at Campbell.

Q: What was the main draw that attracted you to Campbell?

Stryffeler: Coach Steel and the coaching staff were really nice while recruiting my brother Chris to play here, so when I decided to transfer (from Averett) I came here for a visit. I loved the campus, the coaching staff, and the team itself. It was also nice to be so close to home, so I decided to play here.

Q: What has been your fondest Campbell memory so far?

Stryffeler: Scoring a touchdown in our first home win against Methodist earlier this year was a big memory for me. It was my first college touchdown and it felt great. Another big memory was when we got our first PFL win against Morehead State.

Q: You were recruited to play quarterback for the Camels, but now you play tight end. What was the hardest adjustment that you had to make from playing quarterback to playing tight end?

Stryffeler: It is just a completely different mentality from playing quarterback to playing tight end. As a quarterback, you have to read defenses and throw the ball, but you're not doing as much physical activities in the game itself as the tight ends. I also had to put on a lot of weight, learn how to block, and learn how to run routs. It was tough to take myself out of that quarterback mentality.

Q: At this point in the season, do you think that you could still go out and play quarterback?

Stryffeler: I'm sure I could get the job done, but my arm isn't anywhere near quarterback shape. I enjoy throwing the ball with the quarterbacks, but Daniel Polk is doing a great job for our team this season.

Q: On October 31^st you guys got your first ever Pioneer Football League win over Morehead State. How did it feel to finally get that first conference win?

Stryffeler: That first conference win was great. It's been a long time coming after a rough opening season in the league last year. A lot of the games have been close this season, especially Butler and Marist, but it was great to finally get over that hump and get our first league win.

Q: You wear number 18, is there any significance to that number?

Stryffeler: Eighteen was assigned to me. I wore number five in high school, and I asked Coach Steele for that number; but Polk beat me to it. Coach Steele always jokes that I can't fit into that jersey anyway.

Q: What is the funniest thing that one of your coaches or teammates has said to you out on the field?

Stryffeler: There are a lot of funny comments on the field. The coaches always joke around and ask me why a 240 pound man is trying to stiff arm the huge defenders and run them over. I get that joke quite often.

Q: What is your favorite activity to do when not on the football field?

Stryffeler: I'm pretty simple. I just enjoy hanging out with friends, playing Play Station, and watching other college and NFL games on TV.

Q: You were a five sport athlete in high school, (football, track, basketball, baseball, and wrestling) what makes football so special over the other sports?

Stryffeler: I really got started coming into my own in football. Baseball was my favorite sport coming into high school, but then I started to play really well at quarterback. Ever since then football was my love and then I got recruited to play in college. I just went with it and have loved it ever since.

Q: What usually goes through your mind when you see a pass coming towards you?

Stryffeler: That its mine and that I am making the play, no matter what the cost.

Q: Last year you were on the PFL Academic Honor Roll and you were just named an ESPN the Magazine academic All-District 3 selection, what is your secret to having good grades and still having time to play football?

Stryffeler: Time management and sometimes lack of sleep. I just have my priorities with school and football, and school comes first. I have to study as much for football as I do for my classes. So I just have to find the right balance between school, football, and free time.