2006 All Star East
John Stipek
Defensive Line
6’4″ 255 lbs.
High School Coach: Mike Giannone
High School: Macomb Dakota
College: Michigan State University
A three-year starter and two-year captain, John helped the Dakota Cougars advance to the Division 1 State Championship semi-finals two years in a row. As a sophomore, John started at tackle. As a junior, he started at defensive end and offensive guard. Senior year, John started at offensive guard, defensive end, and performed as a long snapper. He completed 59 tackles, including 15 sacks, and returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown. “John has a great combination of speed and power,” said Mike Giannone, head football coach at Dakota High School. “He’s been our team leader for the past two years.”
John dedicated himself to improving strength and speed. His personal goals and focus on self–improvement, both on the field and in the classroom, contributed to his prospects for an offer to play college football.
John thanked his parents, grandparents, and extended family members, for their unfailing support throughout his football career. He thanked all his coaches: Mike Giannone, Art Droski, Gerald Carley, Greg Baur, and John Dach of Grand Blanc, for their help and hard work. John sincerely thanked the parents who participated in the football program at Dakota High School, “for all the time and effort they donated to football, and for their support and encouragement.” Finally he gave, “a big thank you to all my teammates, a great group of dedicated players.”
Awards
All County 1st Team, Macomb Daily, 2005
All East 1st Team, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, 2005
All Metro 1st Team, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, 2005
All State 1st Team, UPI, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, 2005
Dream Team, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, 2005