Mike started wrestling in 8th grade under Jay Rodenbough and went undefeated. His freshman and sophomore years at 98lbs he records of 14-14 and then 19-4 and qualified for state both years. He moved to 105lbs his junior year wit a record of 29-1. His one loss at the District final he avenged at State with his win for the gold. Mike's senior year at 112lbs undefeated with a 31-0 record and his second State Championship.



For Crete High School Mike was the youngest wrestler to ever qualify for state, their first four time state qualifier and the first to win two State Championships in 1983 and 1984. His junior year he not only broke the school record but held the Class B record for most takedowns in a season. Mike was invited and wrestled on the 1984 NSWCA All State Team. He also won the Central Freestyle meet and qualified for the Central Regional meet. Due to surgery he was unable to attend. Mike wrestled two years at Kearney State before his untimely accident. He will be introduced by his high school coach Jay Rodenbough.