2403 West Eighth Street
Erie, PA 16505
ph: (814) 838-2061
f: (814) 838-0376

Cass Shimek, Director of Public Relations

Phone: 838-2061 ext. 228

Email: cshimek@villamaria.com

Former NFL defensive tackle, now national director for Champions for Today, Mike McCoy spoke to the students at Villa Maria Academy on Wednesday, October 4 at 9:40 a.m. in the Villa Auditorium. 

Champions for Today’s speakers are former NFL players and athletes who are trained to address life's issues. They have spoken to thousands of students in school assembly programs across America and internationally, helping them make positive life changes.  The speakers identify with students by sharing personal experiences. They present the consequences of alcohol, drugs, crime, peer pressure and violence and encourage students to try their best at academics, sports and life.

McCoy talked to the Villa students about the importance of values such as honesty, caring and responsibility and the role that their faith in God can play in overcoming problems.  It’s a message of hope and opportunity for change. 

Mike McCoy is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Notre Dame University with a BA in Economics. He played football and was a consensus All-American in college. He was chosen UPI Lineman of the year and was sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting his senior year. He was the #1 draft choice of the Green Bay Packers where he played defensive tackle. He played eleven years in the NFL – seven with Green Bay, two with the Oakland Raiders and two with the New York Giants.

This was the first in a year-long series of national speakers who will speak to the Villa students on a variety of topics relevant to today’s teens.

Villa, a Catholic, co-educational, secondary school established to further the mission of unity of the Sisters of St. Joseph.  Through our leadership, environment and programs, we empower young people to recognize their God-given uniqueness and talents, to acquire knowledge and skills for success in a global society, and to engage the future with optimism, generosity and confidence.