Maki looks to become a Husky

ESCANABA -- The Michigan Tech Huskies will be gaining a new wide receiver next year after Bryant Maki signed his letter of intent to play at the school Wednesday morning at the Escanaba High School.

It's a moment Maki had been anticipating for quite some time.

"It's (signing) awesome. I've been waiting for this day for a very long time, and I'm really excited that it came," Maki said.

Off the field, Maki intends to major in civil engineering -- something Tech will be a great place for.

While there had been different options for schools, the choice had always been clear to Maki.

"It's kind of always been Tech. There were other schools, but no one compared to Tech," he said.

While Maki is expecting the jump from high school to college for both athletics and academics to be a tough one, he takes solace in Tech's close proximity to home.

"Being close to home is always a good thing," he said. "Other schools are great, but when you can stay in the relatively same environment you're in already, it helps a lot with the transition and lifestyle.

"I'm just hoping, with the great guys up there and great coaches, we can make that transition easy."

And meeting those guys and coaches, Maki says, is what he is most looking forward to about attending MTU.

"(I'm excited about) meeting all the new people up there," he said. "All the guys I've talked to, they sound like great people. I want to build a relationship with them and all the coaches up there."

While his eyes are set on the future, Maki makes sure not to forget the support system that has helped him along the way.

"I want to say thank you to everyone that's helped me get to this point, everyone that's still supporting me and will support me through further years," he said.

Former Eskymos head coach Dave Howes -- who stepped down from the role following the 2020 season -- shared his excitement for Maki.

"I am very proud of Bryant for all he has done at Escanaba, both on the field and in the classroom," Howes said. "Michigan Tech is getting a hard-working young man, and they are lucky to have him.

"He sure had a great football career here at Escanaba, and it will continue with the Huskies."

Escanaba Athletic Director Tony Perino held the same sentiment as Howes.

"Bryant really exudes all that you ask for from a student-athlete," said Perino. "He works just as hard in the classroom as he does on the field.

"I think Bryant has been one of the rocks, the foundation of this program. He's someone that a lot of people look up to.

"It's one of those bittersweet moments to see him go, but we are very happy for him at the same time."

One of the many things Maki will have to opportunity to experience next year is one of the most storied rivalries in Michigan college sports. Michigan Tech vs. Northern Michigan University.

Perino, with a laugh, made sure to point this fact out.

"They're very lucky, very fortunate," he said. "I feel bad for Northern because he's going to be burning them for yards, and I can't wait to watch."