Versatile Michalczik Leading On Field, In Classroom

Tucson Catalina Foothills and the University of Arizona football share somewhat of a family affair.

If you follow the prep scene in Arizona you probably know about Foothills senior quarterback Rhett Rodriguez who next year will play for his father Rich. You may not be as familiar with fellow senior two-way star Max Michalczik but you likely will.

The six-foot-three, 215-pound tight end/defensive end is the son of UofA Offensive line coach Jim Michalczik. Max is also the Falcons’ long snapper and one of the leaders since joining the varsity squad his freshman year. 11 seniors for the 2-1 team were varsity starters as sophomores.

The team-first player, who had 66 tackles (eight for loss) is happy to help out where ever he’s needed.

“I like both,” Max told Sports360AZ.com with a wide smile when asked if he prefers offense or defense. “I could go both ways in the future if that’s what I chose to do.”

Michalczik’s 4.0 grade point average is helping pave his way to the next level on the field. He already holds an offer from NAU and has received interest from Montana State and Cal-Poly, as well as Princeton and Harvard. He recently scored 1260 on his SAT exam.

The personable coaches’ son will almost certainly reel in more offers but he likes what he sees in Flagstaff after attending the Jacks’ junior day.

“I like the whole program,” Michalczik said. “What they offered me for was an h-back or slot receiver which really interests me. All the coaching staff is great up there.”

Michalczik feels the same about UofA’s staff, particularly the coach he shares a house with.

“He’s always willing to help,” he explained with a wry grin. “If I ask for help he’ll always help me out but football’s not the only thing we talk about. He’s a great dad.”

I’m sure the feeling’s mutual, Max.