WAYNESBURG (April 15) – After a record-setting senior season, Waynesburg University defensive end Mike Czerwien (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) worked out in front of a scout from the NFL's Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday morning at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse and John F. Wiley Stadium.

Czerwien, who set the NCAA all-division sack record at 53.5, performed in front of Ryan Cavanaugh, one of the Colt's area scouts.

“I never thought in a million years that a pro team would come and try me out,” said Czerwien. “It was a great experience and it felt like a game day.”

The Pittsburgh native was tested in a variety of NFL Combine-style drills, including the bench press, vertical jump and 40-yard dash.

The Colts gained interest in Czerwien after his appearance in the Faces of the Crowd section of the Dec., 10, 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated.

“The scout from Indianapolis said that they had to see him because he dominated the competition on film,” said defensive coordinator Scott Venick. “His (Czerwien's) speed is remarkable the way he comes off the edge. He's much stronger on the field; he can bull rush, he can speed rush, he just does everything well.”

Czerwien, who led all NCAA divisions in tackles for loss (TFL) and sacks last season, is the latest player in Waynesburg football history to gain interest by a NFL team, joining the likes of former Yellow Jacket greats Don Herrmann, Joe Righetti and Harry Theofiledes.

The humble Czerwien realizes the uniqueness of the once-in-lifetime experience.

“Not everyone tries out for a pro team, so at least it's a story,” he said. “It was nice having all the support of my teammates out here with me.”