Shimek Set To Anchor Defense In Senior Season

Michael Shimek has quietly become one of the most disruptive players in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
 
As the senior defensive end enters his final season with the Ashland University Eagles, the expectations are high, both inside the locker room and on the field, for what he can provide the team.
 
"Mike's story is an intriguing one and probably a testament to the adage that 'if you continue to chop wood, results are sure to follow,'" said AU head coach Doug Geiser.
 
The starting defensive end and two-time All-GMAC selection is entering his senior season off the back of an incredible 2024 campaign. He recorded 59 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. He also recovered a fumble and was a nuisance off the edge, blocking two kicks.
 
"He took his game to a whole other level," Geiser said. "Despite all of the accolades he has garnered, he has never let it go to his head or become complacent.
 
"He continues to show up every day ready to work."
 
While being a staple on the defensive line, the Eagles marched to a G-MAC title in 2024. The team finished 9-4 overall en route to also advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Shimek's presence on the defensive line has helped make him a cornerstone of defensive coordinator Tim Rose's unit.
 
"Through his hard work and diligence, Mike has turned himself into a very productive pass rusher," Geiser said. "He's become a focal point of our defensive front. When your best player is also your hardest worker, that's a great place for a coach to be in."
 
Over the course of his previous three seasons with Ashland, Shimek has appeared in 34 games and tallied 105 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and four blocked kicks.
 
Though soft-spoken by nature, Shimek has evolved into a mentor for younger players, mirroring the guidance he received from those that came before him.
 
"Now that he has attained that same stature on the team, you're seeing him 'put himself out there' more by taking time to work with and teach the younger guys," Geiser said. "Doing things like that inspired his peers to select him as an accountability team captain for the last two years."
 
A key influence in helping Shimek develop has been the defensive ends coach, Andy Tabler, alongside former teammate-turned-graduate assistant coach, Chris Julian. Both have helped shape his technical game and skill set on the field.
 
"Because of Andy's teaching, Mike has become a true master of his craft," Geiser said.
 
Now, with just one more season to go, Shimek has a chance to take a major leap.
 
"My expectations are that he fulfills his potential as a player, as a teammate, and as a leader on this team," Geiser said. "Based on his preparation this off-season, I expect Mike to have a big senior season."
 
He will get his first chance to shine on Thursday, Sept. 4, as the Eagles take on the University of Indiana-Pennsylvania. The two sides will clash at George P. Miller Stadium.