By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Former University of Cincinnati offensive tackle Mike Love, who died in an auto accident Monday, was eulogized by teammate and best friend Nate Hice during services Friday at Saint Ignatius Loyola Church in White Oak.

"It was a sad day," said UC coach Rick Minter. "We had to bury one of our own.

"Mike Love was liked by his teammates, was a tremendous worker, loved the weight room. He always had that charming smile."

Love, who attended Central Catholic High in Lafayette, Ind., and Garden City Community College in Kansas, graduated from UC in 2001. He recently signed a contract to play in af2, an offshoot of the Arena Football League, for the Cincinnati Swarm. He played last year with the Chicago Rush.

"He was one of those young men who had an answer for everything - which is why he spent a lot of time in my office," said Minter, chuckling. "When he first came here, he and I talked, and he said his dream was to have success and go to a bowl game. And, by golly, he got there, to the Motor City Bowl (in 2000, Love's senior year)."