When it comes to playing football, Mike White is a late bloomer, but judging by the success he’s had on the field that could be hard to tell.
While many players don the helmet and pads as youths, White didn’t start playing football until he was in eighth grade. Two years later he would be stepping in as the starting varsity quarterback. In two years, the Cornwall High School senior has led the Dragons to a 21 and 3 record, two section titles, and two trips to the state semifinals. Even more interesting, the quarterback’s brief career started as a wide receiver.
“It’s a great feeling,” White said of his success, but he was quick to attribute his good fortune to his coach. “[Marcus Hughes] transformed me into the player I am today and also the person I am today. He helps with life and he helps with football. He’s always there for you, no matter what.”
White’s interest in football didn’t spark from a family member who had previously played the game, but rather from attending varsity games with his friends.
“I just thought it was a cool sport. I never really gave it much thought before that. So I went [to tryouts] and gave it a shot. I ended up loving it, so I kept playing.”
White started out playing Division III football through the Cornwall recreation program. He started as a wide receiver, but as a freshman he was converted to a quarterback. White never played freshman football, but rather was called upon to start as quarterback of the JV team.
“It was weird,” White said of the switch in positions. “I never pictured myself as the quarterback. It was different and took a lot of getting used to, but I guess I found my way.”
One of the challenges was learning how to read the wide receivers, but White said it only took a month to feel comfortable in the new position.
As a sophomore, White had the rare opportunity of being named the starting varsity quarterback. Entering his third and final season, White has enjoyed being center stage.
“It’s pretty cool knowing all eyes are on you. Everyone’s watching what you do. If you make one mistake, everyone knows it, but if you do something good, then everyone knows it. It’s a lot of pressure, but then again, it’s a pretty cool feeling.”
During a game, however, White doesn’t seem fazed by that pressure. A lot goes through his mind in just a few seconds. As he’s taking the snap, White reads the opposing defense. When the ball is in play he looks to see who’s open and who isn’t.
On top of being the quarterback, White has the added responsibility of being the team’s captain this year. He’ll be required to set a good example for his teammates and help them whenever possible. He’ll also be providing leadership to the younger players who may be named captain in the future.
The Dragons’ season starts Friday against Pine Bush, which won the Class AA championship last year. White believes his team is poised to have another successful season as the Dragons vie for their eighth Section 9 Class A title in nine years.
“We’re a great program. The coaches do a great job. We work every day. We work hard whether it be on or off the field. I think we can have another great season like last year.”
Once the football season is over, White will look to return to the hardwood as a starter on the boys’ basketball team. While he enjoys playing football more, White has been playing basketball for 14 years. He watched his brother Joe play and wanted to follow in his older sibling’s footsteps.
White got his start playing for St. Patrick’s CYO, moving onto modified, JV, and finally varsity in his junior year. He plays all positions, but prefers shooting guard and small forward.
Of the two sports, White plans to continue playing football in college. He’s already received an offer to play for Marist, one of his top choices, but he’s also looking at SUNY Albany, University of New Hampshire, Colgate University, Stone Hill College, and Southern Connecticut State University.
