Senior reflects on final season, looks toward future

Senior defensive end Mychal Savage has accomplished a lot in his decorated career as a Youngstown State University Penguin. Now he's earned something he could never gain on the football field - time to relax."I got a lot of free time now that the season is over and I don't know what to do with it," Savage joked.

Opposing offensive linemen probably wish Savage had been as relaxed on the field as he is off the field. At 6'2", 310 pounds, Savage is an imposing figure.

Savage's statistics from this season were impressive. He compiled 37 tackles with eight tackles for loss. He had 4.5 sacks to go along with the tackles.

Because of his numbers and raw ability to shed through an offensive line, Savage was named to the first team All-Missouri Valley. This achievement is special, but Savage also earned the honor after the 2006-2007 season. Savage was extremely durable despite a season-ending injury in 2008 against Ohio State. He started 44 times for the Penguins in his career.

Savage said he was disappointed with team's performance for the 2009 season. He said he wanted his senior season to go better but was happy how the Penguins ended the season by winning their last two games. Savage added he thought his team lost their competitiveness during the season, and because of this loss, it changed their winning attitude.

Hailing from just outside New York City in Hartsdale, New York, Savage chose YSU because he felt it was the best option for him. He said it was the right fit for him at the right time, and he could not be happier with his decision.

During his sophomore season, Savage was looked upon to step up and be a leader. This was a role Savage was uncomfortable with at first.

"I fought it at first because I didn't like the attention but eventually I grew into it," Savage said.

The whole senior leadership idea was not a big deal for Savage this season because he felt nothing had changed since his sophomore season from a leadership perspective except his age.

Savage said he will miss the family atmosphere of the Penguins. He has a lot of memories from his illustrious career. His fondest memory dates back to the 2006 season where the Penguins went 11-3 and made it to the Football Championship Subdivision national semifinals.

Savage said he pondered the two games the Penguins played against the Illinois State Redbirds, a Missouri Valley Conference opponent, because they went into their stadium and shut them out in the first meeting. The teams met for the revenge clash in the playoffs at the Ice Castle. Savage reminisces about the playoff game against the Redbirds.

"The second time was under the lights at the Ice Castle. The atmosphere was bananas. It was a great game to be a part of," Savage said. The Penguins won the game 28-21. Savage said he always points back to the Penguins being a family and the playoff atmosphere would have been null and void without them.

As for life after college football, Savage said he has no idea what he wants to do after he graduates. However, if the possibility of making it the next level in the National Football League presents itself, Savage would pursue the opportunity.

"I'm not reliant on it, but it is something I would love to do," Savage said.