The origin of Mike's wrestling career can be traced back to Bloomington High School where he was a Team Captain as well as a State Qualifier under the supervision of Hall of Fame coach Jim Bowers. Following his graduation from high school Mike attended a variety of colleges, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Illinois State University; Mike also earned his Masters in Physical Education from the same institution. As a member of ISU's wrestling team (wrestling under the guidance of fellow Honoree, Dr. Robert W. Koehler) Mike qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice. In his senior year Mike served as Team Captain and was selected by his teammates as the squad's Most Valuable Wrestler. Upon graduation in 1967, Mike took a position at Bloomington Junior High School where he served one year as the freshman wrestling coach. Mike moved next to University High School in Normal as an assistant coach in the wrestling program; a year later Mike assumed the Head Coaching responsibilities. Following two years at University High School Mike accepted the opportunity as Head Coach at Eureka High School. Two years later, Mike relocated once again "” this time to take on the responsibility of starting the wrestling program at the newly opened Olympia High School "” this relationship was destined to be a long one. Mike's retirement from Olympia at the beginning of this year marked an end to more than thirty years of Mike's leadership in the wrestling program. During his tenure his Olympia squads have qualified for the Elite Eight seven times, placing 3rd in 1999, 4th in 2000 and 2nd in 2001. Additionally, the Spartans have won their last nine IHSA Regional Titles in Class A (and one in Class AA) as well as four IHSA Sectional Titles. Overall, during Mike's 38 years of coaching his teams have won 421 dual meets along with three Conference Championships and numerous invitational tournaments. Sixty-four individuals coached by Mike have qualified for the State Finals; twenty have become place winners including five who placed 2nd and four who became individual State Champions. Mike has also served the wrestling community as an official. During his 43 years as an official he has worked numerous IHSA Regionals and Sectionals as well as several collegiate matches "” including, on three different occasions, the prestigious Midlands. Additionally, Mike has worked one NCAA Division 3 National Tournament and two NCAA Division 1 National Tournaments. Tirelessly, Mike serves the sport as a committee member on the Illinois Coaches Association; as Past-President of the IWCOA and current board member; as a member of the Selection Committee of the IWCOA Hall of Fame; as a Co-Chair of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Illinois Chapter) Selection Committee. Additionally, Mike has served on the IHSA Wrestling Advisory Board. In recognition of his achievements and years of dedicated service to the sport of wrestling Mike has received many accolades from his peers. Among those are: elected into the IWCOA Hall of Fame in 1997; Grand Marshal for the IESA State Finals in 1998; IWCOA Coach-of-the-Year in 2001; National High School Athletic Coaches Association National Wrestling Coach-of-the-Year in 2002; Grand Marshal for the IHSA Individual State Finals in 2004; the IWCOA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005; the IWCOA Man-of-the-Year Award in 2005.