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Bow’s junior running back and linebacker, Caleb Schumacher (2), and Merrimack Valley’s senior tight end and defensive end, Michael Heine (88), both showed their talents with solid performances on both sides of the ball on Friday night. -
Merrimack Valley tight end Michael Heine (88) led the West team in receiving yards and had a sack on the defensive end during last month’s CHaD East-West Game. -
LEFT: Merrimack Valley tight end Michael Heine (right) led the West in receiving yards and had a sack on the defensive end.
Michael Heine was a standout football and lacrosse player for Merrimack Valley High School, with his biggest impact coming on the gridiron as a tight end and defensive end.
Standing tall at 6-foot-2 and gaining weight every year, he became a menace to opposing quarterbacks in Division II. He was ever-patient and calculated on the edge, always ready to pounce in the gap at the right time. This expertise translated over to his tight end blocking, making him a crucial piece on both lines.
His size and speed translated over to the offensive side of the ball and saw him hit traditional TE gaps on short and intermediate routes while occasionally running deeper.
Recently, at the CHaD East-West All-Star Game, he led the West in receiving and came up big alongside four of his MV teammates to get the win. Now, Heine has his sights set on college football at Plymouth State at the NCAA D-III level as he continues improving.
Q: When did you start playing football?
A: My first year of football was in eighth grade during COVID for Blue Storm. My friends convinced me to play, and we went undefeated until we lost the championship game. I think that was the thrill that really got me into sports.
Q: What’s your favorite memory of playing football?
A: I have a lot of great memories so far, but my junior year game against Pembroke has to be one of the best. It’s so much fun because they are always our last game of the season, so the rivalry we have with them through the O’Brien Bowl and senior night was always great. Along with that, the bleachers were packed full of friends and family who would be going crazy for us after a big play. It just added so much more energy to the atmosphere.
Q: What has motivated you to become a better athlete?
A: Honestly, it’s a combination of my desire to be the best and see how far I could go. Ever since I was little I’ve been competitive but nobody likes to lose, so I would practice and practice. I also like pushing my limits so I tend to keep trying to go harder or get farther than I did the time before.
Q: How do you prepare for a big game?
A: Throughout the week, I watch a lot of film of the opposing team. I like to know who the playmakers are and what the team’s tendencies are. During practice, we’d go pretty hard Monday to Wednesday, then start easing it up so we aren’t beat up for the game. My pregame routine is really just making sure I’m sharp and ready. Get lots of sleep, drink lots of water, eat a good breakfast and light lunch, the typical stuff. However, a must for me is taking a nap on the bus ride to the game with my headphones on.
Q: What does your training regimen look like in preparation for a season, for both football and lacrosse?
A: Well, for starters, I’m in the gym. Right when football ends and all through winter, I’m just trying to get stronger and gain weight. When the snow melts, it’s already time for lacrosse. In a way, I just use lacrosse as conditioning to get me into shape for football, with all the running and agility work it has. I’m still going to the gym throughout this time, just not as hard, so instead of gaining muscle, I lean more towards maintaining it.
Q: What do you intend to study at Plymouth State and what excites you most about it?
A: As for now, I’m just going in undecided; however, I do have an interest in kinesiology, so I may look down that path in the future. I’m most excited to see where I’ll stand there, if I will be able to make plays similar to what I did in high school. I’ve also been talking to a few of the guys that are going there, so it’d be a really cool experience to be on the same team as them and learn new techniques.
Q: What will you miss most about Merrimack Valley High School?
A: I will definitely miss my friends the most. They’re the ones that got me into sports and helped me grow not only as a teammate but a person. Sitting through a math class or getting through summer practices were the times I despised. I would think, “Just 10 more minutes,” but now looking back at it, those moments of suck could’ve been so much worse without them, and I am so grateful I had them by my side.
Q: If you could play professional sports for any team, what would it be?
A: If I could play for any professional sports team, it’d have to be for the New England Patriots. Growing up here then being able to represent and play for the team I grew up watching would be surreal. Plus a million dollars would be nice.
Q: How do you unwind or find relaxation outside of sports?
A: This last year, I’ve really gotten into the outdoors when trying to relax. I enjoy paddleboarding or hiking, but when I’m with others, we do a lot of fishing. Although I’m not very good at it yet, practice makes perfect.
Q: Which athletes do you look up to and why?
A: I know this is cliche, but I look up to Tom Brady the most. None of his college coaches saw any type of outstanding talent in him, so he was the seventh-string quarterback. However, he knew his worth and never quit, which led him to become a seven-time Super Bowl champion. I love his story because it motivates me in a way that keeps me working and eager to see where I’ll end up if I stick with the things I love.