Mike is a 1967 graduate of RFHS. He earned All-Conference First team awards in football as a junior, and both football and basketball as a senior. He was also a 3-time NCIC champ in the pole vault. As a senior Mike received All-State honors in both football and basketball, along with qualifying for the State track meet in the pole vault and low hurdles.

Mike then attended Northeast Missouri State University where he earned letters in both football and track. He was a 2-time All-Conference selection in football and during his senior season he was named to the Division II All-American team as a wide receiver.

Mike has continued to stay around athletics, coaching and teaching at Loves Park Harlem, Dixon, Rock Falls and now at Freeport.