Mike graduated from Youngsville High School in 1972, where he lettered four years in track and two years in basketball. In 1970, 1971, and 1972 he was the PIAA State Champion in the 180-yard low hurdles. He added State Championships in the 120-yard hurdles in 1971 and 1972, finishing his high school career with five PIAA Gold Medals. At Penn State University, Mike was named Most Valuable Track Man at the 1973 Nittany Lion Relays, MVP at the 1974 Pitt Invitational, led Penn State to the team championship in the 1974 IC4A Championships, and MVP at the 1976 Central Collegiates at Kalamazoo, Michigan. He set a record in winning the 440 yard dash in the 1976 Hall of Fame Classic in Charleston, West Virginia. Mike continued his track career in several international meets leading up to the 1976 US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. On June 21st, 1976, Mike qualified for the US Olympic team in the 400 meter intermediate hurdles with a time of 49.33 seconds. At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Mike advanced into the finals, where he ran the hurdles in a time of 48.69 seconds, second to teammate Edwin Moses, and good for the Olympic Silver Medal.
