Sept. 7, 2006

Editor's Note: This feature ran in the Sept. 9 (Ole Miss) game program.

by Shannon Fischer, MU Media Relations Student Assistant

Five years ago Mike Cook was MVP, team captain, two-time offensive lineman of the year, and ranked among the top- 90 offensive line prospects (Rivals.com) at Clear Brook High School in Friendswood, Texas. He was looking for a school where he could continue on his trail of success.

His search brought him to Missouri where he, "fell in love with the place," during a visit to the campus. Despite several schools that were interested in Cook, he chose the University of Missouri after he was offered a scholarship, and according to Cook he decided, "if I'm going to get a scholarship I might as well go big." Since then Cook has made his mark on Mizzou football.

As Cook prepares to graduate this year, he takes a moment to reflect on his time at Mizzou. When he first joined the ranks at Missouri, he was an 18-year old and "wide-eyed." He worked hard and stayed committed over the years for the football program and as time passed, his playing time steadily increased.

After a redshirt season in 2002, during which he received scout team player of the week recognition, he joined his team on the field four times in 2003 playing against Ball State, Eastern Illinois, Texas A&M and Iowa State.

As a sophomore in 2004 he took the field nine times and in 2005 he played every game of the season and started 11 out of the 12 games. On Saturday, Cook will play in the 27th came of his career, making his 13th start. He is the starter at right guard and has been elected team captain.

Mike Cook" width="425" height="278">

"It's a great honor," Cook said about his teammates selecting him as captain. Cook's appointment to this position speaks volumes of his leadership and work ethic.

Throughout his experiences with the Mizzou football program, one game in particular stands out in Cook's mind. His favorite memory is not the first time that Mizzou defeated Nebraska, but the second time, mainly because Cook was able to be on the field. And being on the field is one of his favorite parts of football.

"It's just something I love to do," Cook said. "I love to just get out there and play with my all friends and compete against somebody else. We come running out of the tunnel and see 50, 60, 70 thousand people cheering. That's a different experience."

Adding to this experience of being out on the field with his friends only adds to the enjoyment for Cook.

Over the past five years Cook has developed friendships with many of his teammates. He is still in touch with former Mizzou football players such as Tony Clinker and Phil Pitts, in addition to this Cook is good friends with many of his current teammates. In fact, over the past five years, he has lived with several of them. The Mizzou football team is a tight-knit group.

"While you are away from your family, this becomes your family," Cook said. "You make good relationships and do everything you can for them."

Now, as his senior year gets underway, Cook has an optimistic outlook on the season and is looking to make it even more successful than last year. Cook says he is confident in his teammates and the change he is most interested in, is getting some more wins for Mizzou. And with Tiger football steadily gaining speed over the past several years, it seems very probable that Cook and his teammates will do just that.

After this season Cook will graduate from the University of Missouri and from that point on he wants to keep his options open. He would like to stick around and see if there are any opportunities in Columbia. If not, he may venture back home to Texas. As with his location, he would welcome the chance to stay within the sport of football, but Cook is willing to go where the opportunity arises.

All-in-all, Cook leaves with these words to sum up his experience at Mizzou, "It was fun; I've had some good times and some bad times, but you gotta take it all with a grain of salt."

Any advice for others who wish to wear the Mizzou Black and Gold on Faurot Field?

"Work hard, stay dedicated, don't get down if things aren't going right," Cook said. "I'm just a regular person playing football, just like you, I've worked hard to get where I am, anyone can do it. Just keep on truckin'!"