Mike's Induction Video

Mike served as head football coach at Grand Forks Central from 1979-2006, and during his time oversaw one of the most successful periods in the storied tradition of Central Football. Mike led the team to three state championship games and to victory in the 2005 State Championship game for Central’s first title since 1966. His teams qualified for the playoffs seventeen times in his 28 year coaching career at Central.  

A native of Pasadena, CA, Mike attended and earned his degree from Black Hills State College in South Dakota and earned his masters’ degree from the University of North Dakota. Prior to GF Central, Mike coached at St. Regis and Baker in Montana as well as Mandan, ND. Mike and his wife Lorna, have two grown children, Chris(Maren) and Nikki(Eric) along with four grandchildren. Mike was named NDHSCA coach of the year three times, NFL HS coach of the year in 2007, and is a member of three other Hall of Fames:  Black Hills State College, North Dakota High School Coaches Association and the National High School Coaches Association.  

Mike had this to say about Central, “I can say with all sincerity that the most significant memories from my days at GFC point directly to ‘Central People’. Fellow staff members, students, athletes and passionate alumni made it a great place to be, and they defined my career.  I was blessed to work with wonderful people and would certainly do it all over again. What sets GFC apart from other schools starts with history and tradition. I was aware of it the first time I walked in the door, and it has never changed. There is a sense of community and connection that ties Central directly to the heartbeat of Grand Forks. It is truly the city's school - just drive by the 'Grand Old Lady' and she will shout it out to you.”

Mike’s advice to current Central students - “Never underestimate how your time at GFC has shaped who you are and who you will be in the future. High school is tough; the academic, co-curricular and social demands are a continual challenge. Even if you don't see it now, you will someday be thankful to have been part of this institution, it's second to none.”