Mike played in the Troy-Piqua rivalry all four years of his high school career, from 1983 to 1986 winning three out of four games. As a star running back on the 1985 Troy Trojan’s football squad, Mike sealed a win for Troy during the 100th Troy-Piqua Football Game with a 56 yard touchdown run late in the game. That year, Mike ran for over 1,600 yards and scored 25 touchdowns helping the Trojans to a perfect 10-0 season and a trip to the Division 1 state playoffs. Troy ended the 1985 season with a 12-1 record. Their only loss coming in the state semifinals at the hands of the eventual Division 1 state champions, Cincinnati Moeller.

Mike earned a football scholarship to Boston College where he played slot-back and was a punt and kickoff returner.