EMU names equipment room for Roseville grad

ROSEVILLE/YPSILANTI — “Fast” Eddie Mizinski has always been a good sport.

Whether he was scoring touchdowns when playing football at Roseville High School (Class of 1971) or supporting athletic programs at Eastern Michigan University as an alumnus, Mizinski could always be counted on.

The lifelong Roseville Community Schools student, who now resides in Grand Blanc, was honored recently when the athletic equipment room at EMU was named after him.

“It was really sweet. I think it was a really nice deal,” Mizinski said. “EMU built a new athletic complex. The equipment room is attached to it. It’s a state-of-the-art facility.”

EMU offers a number of sports including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, basketball, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse and bowling. Every time an EMU athlete or coach enters the equipment room, they are greeted by the name “FAST EDDIE MIZINSKI” in large letters on the door.

The honor is fitting for the wide receiver who made his mark on the football field while attending EMU from 1971 to 1975. Wearing jersey No. 13, the star athlete was a three-year letterman and is the 2011 Hall of Fame Ron Oestrike Distinguished Service inductee. He graduated from EMU in 1976 and has been an active member of the alumni ever since. Mizinski and Susan, his wife of 48 years, support the athletics program financially and travel with the football team.

“The kids, they work hard,” Mizinski said. “I always loved teamwork. I liked working with the team. I like passing that information on to the younger kids.”

Mizinski’s love for sports is a throwback to his childhood. He was “a gym rat” when attending the now-closed Washington Elementary School in Roseville. When he found out about the East Detroit Tiger Cats youth football flag tackle prep program, he made sure to join.

Playing football and running track while at RHS is what earned him the moniker “Fast” Eddie Mizinski. Because of his prowess, he became a Division I full scholarship letter winner.

“I was really lucky to get some great coaches at Roseville High School. They were great teachers and outstanding coaches,” Mizinski said. “They were really hard on you. They inspired me to keep on going. They made you succeed in life.”

He used that same discipline for 35 years while teaching and coaching in various locations, including the W.J. Maxey Boys Training School in Whitmore Lake.

“It was a juvenile youth detention facility,” Mizinski said. “A lot of the kids had zero guidance. They were in the streets doing crime since the age of 8 and up.”

Mizinski used his experiences on the field to get through to the young men who lived troubled lives.

“If you’re firm, fair and honest, they will listen,” Mizinski said. “We had to keep them busy. They responded very well.”

He eventually found his way back to the classrooms of Roseville, teaching and coaching for several years at RHS, Roseville Junior High School and Eastland Junior High School, which are now middle schools. He even taught with current Roseville Community Schools Superintendent Mark Blaszkowski. The two have another connection: Blaszkowski also attended EMU.

Now retired, Mizinski looks back fondly on his years as an educator.

“I miss teaching,” the retiree said. “I really miss coaching.”

Mizinski is trying to get a new club off the ground. He’s involved with the “R Club,” a group of alumni letter winners who graduated as Brablec High School Cougars, RHS Wildcats or RHS Panthers, which is the most recent mascot for the school.

“It’s a club for former letter winners who support athletic programs,” Blaszkowski said. “It just started, and Eddie has been the key to kicking it off. Right now we’re soliciting members. Right now we’re just trying to get people connected. I think it’s a good thing. It instills that sense of family.”

For more information, or to sign up for the “R” Club, contact RHS Athletic Director Keith Marzec at kmarzec@roseville.k12.mi.us.