ORONO, Maine — Three weeks ago, Mike Brusko walked out of offensive coordinator Kevin Bourgoin’s office after receiving some tough news.
For the second time in three years, the fifth-year player had been replaced as the University of Maine’s starting quarterback.
The conversation, and one that would follow with head coach Jack Cosgrove, was frank. The staff felt sophomore Warren Smith and his stronger passing arm would give the Black Bears a better chance to win consistently.
“Initially, it was hard,” Brusko admitted. “I didn’t sugarcoat it when I talked to coach Cos and coach Bourgoin. I told them I was disappointed. It wasn’t how I had envisioned my last year.”
What has distinguished Brusko during his time at UMaine, even more than his gritty play on the field, is his commitment to the team.
Rather than sulk and complain about his demotion, the tri-captain moved on to a new set of challenges.
“It’s my responsibility as a fifth-year senior and as a captain of the team to embrace whatever role I have, to do what’s best for the team, to help out in any possible way that I can,” Brusko said with unflinching conviction.
The resilient Brusko will provide his physical skills and leadership for the Black Bears again Saturday when UMaine takes on top-ranked Richmond in a noon Colonial Athletic Association game on Morse Field.
Cosgrove marvels at the maturity and unselfishness Brusko has shown.
“Michael has, through his actions here, demonstrated that the team is of ultimate importance,” Cosgrove said.
“He handles it in an almost professional manner, very dignified,” he said. “It’s very sincere.”
Even though he’s no longer playing quarterback, No. 15 remains a key contributor.
Brusko is back playing an inside receiver position, a spot he held much of 2007 and the first half of the 2008 campaign. He also is the holder on field goals and PATs, plays on the kickoff return unit and serves as a backup at several other positions including punter, short snapper and special teams.
“He’s always said, what else can I do?” Cosgrove said. “And it’s amazing some of the things that he can do.
“He wants to be on the field, he wants to be in the action. He wants to be in a position to help his team win,” he added.
Brusko has proven his versatility and resilience since coming to UMaine after starring at Emmaus High School in Zionsville, Pa.
The 6-foot-3, 224-pounder earned the starting QB job to open the 2007 season, only to lose it to Adam Farkes and his passing potential. Brusko moved to receiver, but made the final two starts at quarterback after Farkes got hurt.
As a junior in 2008, Brusko opened the season as the backup but took over when Farkes suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. He directed the Bears to six straight victories and a spot in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs for the first time since 2002.
“He was put in a position last year and really responded,” Cosgrove said.
UMaine’s quarterback situation was complicated by the fact Brusko, his arm notwithstanding, was the consummate leader on the field. And when Farkes decided to transfer last fall, Brusko moved back into the starting spot.
Brusko credits his determination and positive outlook to lessons learned from his parents, Michael and Deborah Ann, who have attended every UMaine game since he enrolled.
His dad, in particular, taught Mike from an early age the importance of confronting difficulties maturely. The elder Brusko forced his son to handle things on his own.
“He’s the reason that I’ve developed the competitive nature that I have, kind of the unselfishness, just doing whatever I can do to help my team win,” said Brusko, who last summer earned a degree in journalism (broadcast sequence).
And it was his dad’s wisdom that helped Mike gain the proper perspective to cope with being replaced at quarterback.
“It came down to, my goal at the beginning of the season was to win championships and to win as many games as possible,” he said. “I’m trying to make the most of everything, trying to take advantage of every opportunity.”
Brusko has rushed for 972 yards and 11 touchdowns (3.9 yards per carry) as a quarterback while completing 150 of 237 passes (.633) for 1,698 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his career.
Brusko, who also has 19 receptions for 190 yards, led UMaine to a 9-5 record as the starting QB and won two other contests coming off the bench.
“He’s a football player, head to toe. That’s the best compliment I can give him,” Cosgrove said.
Brusko, who writes a weekly sports column for The Maine Campus newspaper, remains committed to his team and plans to take advantage of whatever opportunities he is afforded.
“If you can understand and live life with perspective, you’ll be a lot more happy and a lot more successful because you’ll embrace things instead of dreading them.”
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