2015 Iron Hog Recipient: Michael Alves, St. Augustine

In 2015 the athlete that best exemplifies the hard nose grit of the Iron Hog trophy is St. Augustine senior strong side guard Mike Alves. The 6 foot 5 inch 320 pound lineman has been a starter since his sophomore season. It is not a coincidence that during his tenure the Saints have been one of the most prolific running teams in the section. Alves is directly responsible for many of the yards gained by Silver Pigskin finalist Elijah Preston. "We stopped counting," replied Saints Head Coach Richard Sanchez when asked how many "pancake" blocks Alves is responsible for during his career at St. Augustine. "Between 10-to-15 opponents per game will end up on their back courtesy Alves, " estimates Sanchez.

A road paving run blocker who is equally effective working vertically or pulling laterally, Alves best quality might be his "switch."  "He’s capable of single handling destroying our scout team in practice", says Sanchez. "He’s smart enough to work on his steps and fundamentals,  but he doesn’t switch into beast mode until game time. I’ve never had a kid that could do that as well as Michael."

Michael will play his college football at UCLA.

Alves’ life mission statement is as direct as one of his drive blocks. "I want to be the best football player I can possibly be."

Alves Awards:

-2015 Shack’s Pig Pen Inductee

-Will represent San Diego in the 2016 Semper Fidelis All American Bowl supported by the United States Marine Corps. The all-star game attracts the best athletes in the nation who are also leaders in their community.

-10 Division 1 scholarship offers (and counting)

-2015 All CIF 1st team selection

-2 time All Eastern League selection

-3 year starter