Name:Â Â Gregory Mickelson
Major:Â Â Business Administration/Industrial Technology
Graduated:Â 1968
Hometown:Â Menomonie High School, Menomonie, WI
Currently Resides: Menomonie, WI
Why did you choose to be a collegiate student-athlete at UW-Stout?
I was asked by several colleges and universities to attend their schools to play football. After careful consideration, I chose Stout State. It was a good fit, both academically and athletically.
What did you like most about competing in collegiate athletics?
It was a personal challenge to compete at a higher level. As I had played four years of high school varsity football, I was aware of the discipline and technique it took to play the game. Smaller than the average college offensive lineman, my challenge was to "hone" these skills as a competitor in a collegiate atmosphere.
What is the greatest lesson you learned from being a collegiate student-athlete?
The greatest lesson easily became the lessons in life' to be responsible, reliable, and, above all, respectful of the talents of others. Football garnered all these qualities. As part of the Blue Devil football team I learned the meaning of commitment and perseverance. Discipline and hard work, the mantra of football, developed a work ethic I would take throughout my life. I realized never to underestimate the strength of a team, or myself. Be it teammate of competitor, I continued to thrive for excellence while, unbeknownst to me, building confidence. As a business owner, I continue to acknowledge the attributes of any collegiate athletic program, and particularly, the Blue Devil football program.
Who was the most influential person in your athletic career?
Throughout my experience as a football player, I was privileged to work for many fine coaches. The coach who had the most influence on me was Max Sparger. Coach Sparger was the head football coach from 1963-1969. I remember Coach Sparger for his knowledge of the game, his discipline, but his ability to deliver his message to us with his great sense of humor.
What is your most memorable or favorite sports moment at UW-Stout?
No doubt, the "win!" It was defeating Whitewater on our own turf. It was the first conference football championship at Stout in 45 years. The win affected the entire school and the city of Menomonie. The celebration lasted the whole weekend! Classes were actually cancelled on Monday! I was also very proud to be awarded the WSUC Medal of Honor for scholarship and athletics.
How did your teammates describe you as a person and student-athlete?
I think my teammates would say I was dedicated to the sport while being a good student. I must say I also loved the collegiate social life as well.
Are you in contact with any former Blue Devil student-athletes?
I have occasional contact with Charlie Krueger, Scott Kingsett, Louis Husby, and Holland Millar. They live in Menomonie. Also, I speak with Jack Lorenze and Rick Erickson.
Outside of athletics, what other activities were you involved in at UW-Stout?
Primarily I was involved with school, football, Letterman's Club, and Phi Sig Fraternity.
Give us a brief synopsis of your life since graduating from UW-Stout.
I graduated from Stout, and looked at offers from the corporate side of business. In the end, I went into the family auto business. I have been a Ford dealer for 26 years, and own Northtown Ford. In 2009, Northtown Ford was named the Menomonie Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. I have two sons, Eric, who is in business with me, and Andy, who teaches and lives in Alaska. I have been involved in the community serving on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club. I was one of the founders of the Community foundation. I have also served my fellow dealers as chairman of the Wisconsin Auto Dealers Buying Cooperation, and the National Ford Dealer's Add Council.
