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Get to Know U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Football Commit, Michael Carr
Name: Michael Carr Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
High School: Montour High School
Sports: Football and Track and Field Football Positions: Offensive Line
His Football Background: “Football means everything to me. I started playing in fifth grade and have played for eight years. I used to struggle with being anti-social, overweight, and negative. Football changed all of those things mightily. It gave me a sense of belonging and new motivation. It helped me come out of my shell, and made me closer with my family and God. It also gave me a new family that I can always rely on. I love football, and it has shaped me as the man I am today.”
Athletic Accolades: All-Conference honorable mention, a three-time all-academic gold team, honoree, and a three-time letter winner in football. Commitment: Playing football at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a service academy located in Kings Point, New York. The institution is home to just over 1,000 students and competes at the NCAA Division III level in athletics. The Mariners are members of the Skyline Conference.
Why He Chose USMMA: “I found out about USMMA after a football camp the summer after sophomore year and met one of their coaches. I attended a virtual junior day and was intrigued by their academic offerings. I then traveled to their campus for the first time for an in-person junior day, which is when I learned about the unparalleled unique opportunity of the school. I eventually attended a game day visit during the season, which pushed me over the edge with the school. I could feel the bond, emotion, and love that these people had for each other and the school. I had been through many different school visits and other academies, but nothing I felt in that moment was like that. After this visit, I had received a Letter of Assurance in the mail, which means that I had received a spot in their class. However, I still needed to get a nomination from a senator/congressperson and complete the Candidate Fitness Test (CFA). I got two nominations and passed the CFA, which meant I was accepted into the academy. Recently, I went on an overnight visit. It allowed me to see what life as a Plebe was like. I really felt at home. I had never been around so many like-minded people. I chose the United States Merchant Marine Academy because I love my country and want to serve it. I want to work hard for a successful future, make lifelong friends, and continue playing football along the way.” Intended Major and Future Plans: To major in Maritime Logistics and Security. In terms of his future plans, he shared “I’m interested in sailing for a civilian company and being a part of Navy Sealift Command reserves, which is in huge need and purpose of the academy I will be attending. I will look at where my country needs me and make my final decision then on what my future plans will be.”
What His Roots in Pittsburgh Mean to Him: “My mom and her family have been in the Montour School District for a long time. My mom is a second grade teacher, my uncle is a history teacher at the high school, and my grandfather was a long time history teacher and Montour’s Director of Athletics. Montour means a lot to me because of those deep roots. Pittsburgh is a football town. It isn’t the same as many other places. I feel like Pittsburgh football has prepared me for the college level. The passion, competitiveness, and violence is unrivaled to me. I will carry all of this and represent western Pennsylvania proudly at a school full of people from every state, each with completely different backgrounds.” Favorite Athletic Memories: “The top memories from my athletic career overall would be: beating Aliquippa and Thomas Jefferson, winning a WPIAL championship in volleyball my freshman year, my first start against Mars in football, all of the both amazing and conversations I have had through playing sports, and breaking the liftathon record and my school.” He added, “Beating Aliquippa this past season was awesome. It was so invigorating to finally beat the most dominant team in the state that we hadn’t beaten since before I was born. Blowing out Thomas Jefferson my junior year was also huge because it has always been like a rivalry game that my class had never won. Overall, all of the funny, stupid, and hard moments from this experience will be with me forever. I will tell my kids about everything one day and look forward to it.”
His Support System: “ When I told my parents of my college aspirations, they gave me nothing but support and guidance through a very grueling application process. They have driven me to every practice and have given me love in everything I do. I love them and appreciate them more than anything. They have always pushed me to be my best. My grandparents were also pivotal in shaping so much about me. They have been very invested in my life and have always done anything I asked of them. I also need to thank my coaches, especially Coach Suehr, Coach Jum, Jay Martinez, and from when I was little, my dad and Coach Hopper. All of these coaches have been huge in making me who I am. They have also pushed me to my limits and gave me the opportunity to play football. And finally, I need to thank my teammates over the years. They have always been supportive of me and have acted as a second family. I hope I have helped them as much as they have helped me. I am thankful that God has given me all of these people in my life.”
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