In 1958 Mike won his first of four PIAA State Championships while wrestling for Lock Haven High School. Mike was one of four PIAA Champions for Hall of Fame Coach Bud Stehman. This has only happened twice since with North Allegheny and Northampton. He ended his high school career with a record of 84-0 and was never taken down. He wrestled at Pitt for Rex Peery and it has been said that during his scholastic years Mike perfected the "duck under" takedown. Mike's First coaching position was at Shady Side Academy, a position that he left after one year. In 1969 he became an assistant coach at DuBois Area High School until 1974 when he became the head coach. During his years as head coach he had 14 District IX Champions and 8 PIAA Qualifiers. In 1980 Mike went back to being an assistant coach a position he held until 2004. He was responsible for the off season strength and conditioning program as well as the elementary wrestling program. He has served as an outstanding clinician for some of the best wrestling camps on the East Coast.