Mike D’Andrea: Revert to the Catholic Faith

Growing up with seven brothers and three sisters in an Italian Catholic family in Akron, OH, Mike D’Andrea received a solid foundation in Catholic Christianity from his parents and through his elementary education in parochial school.  Sports became a passion for Mike, especially football, which he viewed as a means for affording college.  Recruited by the legendary Woody Hayes at Ohio State University, Mike went on to be a starter as linebacker his junior and senior years under coach Earle Bruce.  It was Mike’s failure at making the pros, however, that paved the way to success in business, as well as a reconversion to the faith that had been left behind in his early adulthood.  Mike shares with Marcus that journey which was encouraged by the witness and prayers of his mother, the joy exhibited by a Trappist monk uncle, and his visit to a Marian shrine – a journey that brings him to where he is today.