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WIU Football Recruit Mike Viti Selected for Pennsylvania Big 33 Game

Prestigious all-star game selects Viti for event in June

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois football recruit Mike Viti (Camp Hill, Pa./Cedar Cliff) received an invitation to the prestigious Big 33 All-Star football game this summer. He is one of 33 from Pennsylvania selected to play in the event, which takes place in June.
 
Viti (6-0, 194) is one of six players selected on the Pennsylvania squad who signed to play at the Division I FCS level next fall, and only recruit outside of the eastern third of the United States. Projected as a defensive back for Western, he's one of four defensive backs at safety.
 
The 59th annual game, featuring the Big 33 from Pennsylvania versus the Big 33 from Maryland, will take place on June 18th in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Members from both teams will participate in a Youth Clinic and Community Outreach programs during the week leading into the contest. They stay with a host family during the week, and will be assigned a Buddy (individual with special needs). Participants will have two meals with their Buddy, attend practice and get announced together during pre-game.
 
"Ever since I was little my dad would tell me about the Big 33, and how big of a game it is. We always talked about how amazing it would be if one day I could play in it. He would tell me that if I keep working hard it would be possible. Now that I am a senior in high school, and this is the year to be selected, I was absolutely honored when I received the call from Coach Matta," said Viti. "There have been too many great players to name that have played in this game, and I am truly humbled to be a part of this year's team. The Big 33 is more than just a football game. We get an experience of a lifetime, and the opportunity to touch lives. Having been selected to carry on the Big 33 tradition is truly a blessing, and I am extremely honored!"
 
The Big 33 Scholarship Foundation continued its streak with former participants making an appearance in all 50 NFL Super Bowls. Last year Brandon McManus (Denver/2009 PA Big 33) and Ted Ginn, Jr. (Carolina/2004 Ohio Big 33) were former Big 33 Football Classic participants playing in the Super Bowl.
 
"What a prestigious honor for Mike to be selected to the Big 33 game and to represent both the state of Pennsylvania and Western Illinois University," said head coach Charlie Fisher. "Being a Pennsylvania native myself, I understand the great tradition of the game and the pride and honor that goes with being selected. This game has been represented by the Keystone State's very best over the past 58 years. It's a great day for Leatherneck football and the Viti family."
 
A Second Team All-State selection last fall, Viti was a four-year starter on both sides of the ball. He earned First Team All-Area honors and twice was selected All-Keystone Division accolades. During his final two years, Viti recorded 150 tackles and four interceptions on defense. Offensively, he accounted for 145 receptions for nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Mike Viti

#24 Mike Viti

DB
6' 0"
Freshman
Cedar Cliff

Players Mentioned

Mike Viti

#24 Mike Viti

6' 0"
Freshman
Cedar Cliff
DB