Mike Kirby started wrestling in 1968 for Milton Junior High as an 8th grader. Under the direction of Coach Bernie Stone Jr., his first coach , he became the first Milton Cabell County Junior High Champion at 83 pounds. Moving to Milton High School while wrestling for Coach Larry Jordan for two years and one year for Coach Stone, Mike became a West Virginia State Champion in 1971 and 1972 with a record of 98 wins and one loss. In 1972, Mike went on to Fairmont State College. While under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Church, Mike won three WVIAC Championships and was runner-up during sophomore year. In 1975, he placed third at NAIA National Tournament. During his senior year, Mike was undefeated and number one seed, but a nose bleed and a loss kept him from placing. His wrestling career record was 168-9-2. He credits his wrestling success totally because of his close friends and teammates at Milton High School and at Fairmont State College. In 1980-83, he coached at Fairmont Catholic First through eighth grades. Mike's officiating career started in 1982 and continued for 28 years. He was selected several times to officiate the WV State Tournament.