MONK CONFESSIONS
	#45 Mitch Ouellet
	Year: Junior (2009)
	Major: History/Secondary Education; Biology Minor
	HOMETOWN/HS: Fort Kent, ME/Fort Kent High School
	Sport/Position: Basketball/Forward
	Favorite Movie: Boondock Saints
	Favorite Book: Harry Potter Series
	Favorite Food: Shepherd's Pie
	Favorite T.V. Show: Rob & Big
	Favorite Bon Apetit Meal: Meatloaf
	"We always use the word “family” in practice, and that’s what we’ve become."

Mitch Ouellet is a bruising 6'7 240 pound forward on the Monks basketball team. He is a third-year varsity player under Head Coach Rob Sanicola.

Men's Basketball Head Coach Rob Sanicola on Mitch:

“Mitch is a great young man. He was given tremendous talents on and off the basketball court. Standing 6’7, he possesses a soft touch around the basket and an ability to knock down perimeter shots in the flow of the offense. Mitch separates himself from a lot of young people off the court beginning with his core values. To name a few, he is hardworking, respectful, polite, sincere and honest. Mitch displays these and many more core values everyday in our basketball program, but more importantly throughout the campus community. His family has given him tremendous support and a blueprint for what it takes to be successful. We are extremely grateful we can be a part of this young mans life and help guide him to be a complete individual."

Who has had the greatest impact on your life?

My parents have had the greatest impact on my life. Their strict parenting style has helped me keep the straight and narrow. My mom is a teacher at my high school so she knew who I hung out with and helped make sure that I kept my focus on academics and sports (also played soccer and tennis in HS).

Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?

I only applied at two schools. I have deep family ties at St. Joe’s, which helped me make my choice. My brother is a 2005 Saint Joseph's College graduate and was an Environmental Science Major. My grandmother went here when it was a girls’ school and Sister Mary George was her roommate.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be?

It would have to be my maternal grandfather. I’ve heard so many stories about him from my family. He was a superintendent, teacher, everything I want to be professionally. He passed away many years ago, I didn’t have the chance to meet him.

What kind of effects has your St. Joseph’s College Coaching staff had on your life?

The St. Joe’s basketball coaches are a lot like my parental figures at home. If you stay out of trouble, go to class, and don’t slack in practice you’ll fit right in.

Did you participate in other extracurricular activities besides athletics in High School?

I was in band for 8 years and played alto and baritone saxophone. I’d love to play again someday, I really enjoyed it.

Can you tell us something about you that most people don’t know?

It’s a tradition at Fort Kent High School for all students to get two weeks ”off” to help the St. John Valley farmers pick potatoes. Two weeks of 14 hour work-days. You can make decent money, but it’s not like you get time off!


What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at St. Joe’s?

My most memorable moment was when we played the ECAC tournament games here at St. Joe's last season. The Alfond Center was really rocking for those games as the crowd was very into the two tourney games we played at home. I still get chills when I see pictures of the those games, especially photos of the rowdy crowd cheering on the Monks.

What did you do over the summer to prepare for your season?

I lived on campus, played in a league at Howard sports with 6 others SJC players. It was a great experience to be around some of my teammates all summer. The league was pretty competitive, too.


Do you plan on being involved in basketball after college?

I’d love to get into coaching after I settle down and get a job.

Do you have any superstitions?

When I was in high school I was hobbled with two ankle sprains at different times. I've worn the same brand ankle braces since I had the injuries and haven't had any ankle issues since. I don't feel comfortable playing without wearing those braces.

The men’s basketball team is on a winning streak after a slow start to the season. What’s changed?

The team has gotten a lot closer. In the early going, everyone was trying to see where they fit in on the team, even the returning players. Over break team hung out together all the time since no one else was on campus. As a group we really gelled during that time. We always use the word “family” in practice, and that’s what we’ve become.

This is Saint Josephs’ first season in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. What do you think of the competition so far?

The GNAC is tough. The teams are big, strong, and physical and all of them can shoot. On any given day any team in the conference can beat anyone else.


Interview by Corey McCarthy, Sports Information Director


PREVIOUS "MONK CONFESSIONS":

JILLIAN LEGER '08, WOMEN'S SOCCER
RYAN PRESCOTT '09, CROSS COUNTRY
BROOKE PERRY '08, VOLLEYBALL


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