Montclair State University Athletics

A smooth-moving defensive end and punter, Mike made many contributions to Montclair’s football fortunes between 1969-1971. H was recognized as one of the “Outstanding Athletes of America” in his junior year and was elected a First-Team All-Star by the ECAC, the New Jersey College Conference, and the All Eastern Conference. Sporting a 44.8 yard punting average, he led all Division III punters in 1970. He made headlines a year later when United Press International (UPI) award him Honorable Mention on the Division’s Defensive All-America Team. Van Zile played on Montclair’s 1970 Knute Rockne Bowl Championship Team and in Tampa in 1972 as a member of the American Bowl’s North squad. He became the school’s first football player to perform in a post-season All-Star contest.