Mike was a stand-out wrestler while at Coventry High School. A member of the 1978, ’79 and ’80 State Championship teams, he placed third in the state as a sophomore and won state titles in both his junior and senior year. He was also active in football and track, and in his “spare” time he boxed for Chet O’Kelly’s gym.
After graduation, Mike accepted a full athletic scholarship to Michigan State University where, in 1980, he was named an NCAA Freshmen 1st Team All-American. He went on to finish third in the Big Ten in 1982 and 1983 and was named the heavy weight Big Ten Champion in 1984, capping off an undefeated season. Twice in his career he was a NCAA Division I All-American. He still holds the record at Michigan State for the most pins in a career and for the fastest pin in NCAA history. His most memorable matches included beating Matt Gaffari, an Olympic silver medalist and a narrow 5-3 loss to Bruce Bumgarder, a two-time gold, one-time silver and one-time bronze Olympian.
After wrestling at MSU, he tried his hand at Judo. He was the NCAA Judo Heavy Weight Champion in 1984 and was a member of the World Judo Team from 1984-86, competing in the world games in Strasburg, France. He was honored to carry the American flag in the opening ceremonies.
Mike’s proudest accomplishment is being a supportive and active father in the lives of his children.