Along with his two brothers, sister and mom, Michael Brooks came to Fort Hamilton High School on National Signing Day this past February 4 to sign his letter of intent committing to play collegiate football on a four-year scholarship at Southern Connecticut State University.
Noting that this day was the culmination of her son’s hard work on the field as well as in the classroom, Marie Brooks was overjoyed that Michael’s efforts were rewarded to make college a reality for her son.
“They showed him the love,” said Mrs. Brooks who is the team’s chief supporter as the third year president of the Tigers football parents club.
As for Michael, the decision to go to Southern Connecticut to study to be a physical therapist came easy after hitting it off with the team’s defensive coordinator, in addition to a campus visit to see former Tiger teammate Robert Thomas who also signed with the New Haven school over this summer.
“I felt comfortable there and they wanted me,” said Brooks, who was recently named to the PSAL’s All-City Team at the defensive corner.
Looking back, Michael stated that this past 2014 season was the most exciting for him because he got to play in a double overtime game against first place Erasmus Hall where he made an interception and stopped the Dutchmen in three red zone stands.
His second biggest season thrill was the 100-yard return of an interception for a touchdown against Boys High. Recalling his exhausting run, Brooks stated, “I’ve had my fair share of touchdowns during this past season, but that one was crazy. There were a lot of bodies flying and it was a very long run!”
When asked what he will miss most about moving on from Fort Hamilton, Brooks stated, “We are a brotherhood here. We practiced and played hard here, and we hung out with each other. I know that I always can come back and be welcomed.”
Not anxious to have his senior year finish so soon Brooks stated, “I don’t want to rush it. I just want to enjoy what’s left of it. But I do have one game left that I’m looking forward to playing.”
For that game, Brooks will be a member of the New York City All-City Team that will play their Long Island counterparts in the Boomer Esiason United Healthcare Empire Challenge for Cystic Fibrosis at Hofstra this coming June.
“He was a four-year varsity player and the face of Fort Hamilton,” said Tiger Head Coach Dan Perez. “I’m so proud of this accomplishment for this mature and deserving young man.”