University of Dayton Athletics

Mike Ciccolella is a native of Follansbee, West Virginia.  He was a two-way standout for the University of Dayton.  As a sophomore Ciccolella led the team in blocking efficiency and as a junior he led the Flyers in tackles.

In the 1964 season Ciccolella sustained a knee injury on the 4th play of the year.  But he was still drafted by the New York Giants that spring.  However, Ciccolella elected to delay professional football career and return to UD for a final season.  

In his last year he concentrated mostly on defense and playing linebacker.  He was then named to the National Catholic All-American team as well as the WCPO Regional All-Star team.  He was also the winner of the Stan Kurdziel Outstanding lineman award.

During his time at UD he was “as good a linebacker as there is in the country.”  Also, John Sauer of the Minnesota Vikings stated that “Chick could be one of the best linebackers in the country.”