Waterloo Warriors: The Inspiring Stories Behind Becker-Chapman Post 138

Sunday, March 27th, 2022 | Books | No Comments

Mike’s latest book is called “Waterloo Warriors: The Inspiring Stories Behind Becker-Chapman Post 138.” It tells the stories of two young men from Waterloo who lost their lives at age 22 while fighting for freedom’s cause in World War I. Fred Becker was a standout student-athlete at East High School and in 1916 became the very first All-American football player at the University of Iowa. It was just his sophomore year, but he signed up to serve his country in “The War to End All Wars” and was a Marine officer in France when he was killed on July 18, 1918. It is an amazing story of courage and sacrifice. Carl Chapman (ironically, no relation to Mike) was a fine athlete at West High on the other side of the river and was attending college in Amherst, MA, when he signed up and became a pilot. His plane was shot down and he died on May 3, 1918. Mike wrote the booklet (just 36 pages but with some very rare photos) as a tribute to the men – and to help raise funds for the American Legion Post named in their honor. Mike donated his time work, as well as some of the printing cost. He held a book signing at the Post last November. Anyone wishing to buy the booklet and support the Post should call Dennis Sommer, Post Historian, at 319-232-6993. The booklet is just $10.00 plus $5 for S&H – and all proceeds, 100%, go to the American Legion Becker Chapman post 138.

Tags: American Legion Post, carl chapman, Fred Becker, Waterloo Iowa, Waterloo Warriors

Mike to be featured guest on “Bumps & Thumps: The Talk of Wrestling” Podcast, April 11

Sunday, March 27th, 2022 | Podcast, Wrestling | No Comments

On April 11 Mike will be the primary guest on the podcast “Bumps & Thumps: The Talk of Wrestling,” hosted by Brian Ferguson. The show is primarily about the early days of professional wrestling, dealing with stars like Frank Gotch, Lou Thesz and Dan Hodge. The podcast will be uploaded to YouTube and anchor.fmor.fm on Monday, April 11th at 8 a.m. CST. Learn more about Bumps & Thumps at anchor.fm.

Governor Branstad Visits Rocky Marciano Memorial Site

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 | Other | No Comments

On October 20, former Iowa governor Terry Branstad (left) and recent Ambassador to China, stopped in Newton to visit Mike (right) and see the Rocky Marciano Memorial site for the first time. The memorial was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Governor Branstad History Fund. A ceremony was held on August 30, 2019, for the unveiling of the sign and rock but Ambassador Branstad was living in Beijing at the time.

Marciano was 49-0 with 43 knockouts when he retired in 1956 and he was on his way from Chicago to Des Moines for a private party when the small plane he was riding in crashed in Newton on August 31, 1969. Also killed were a Frankie Farrell, a family friend from Des Moines, and the pilot, Glenn Belz.

To mark the sad event and celebrate Rocky’s life, Mike led a charge to have an area, including an informational sign and rock with Rocky’s name and image on it, posted along Highway 14, entering the city. Governor Kim Reynolds declared August 30 as “Rocky Marciano Remembrance Day” and guest speakers were Mayor Mike Hansen, wrestling icon Dan Gable, former national Golden Gloves boxing champion Steve Eden of Cedar Rapids, and Mike, who also read a letter from Rocky’s son in Florida.

Tags: Governor Branstad, Rocky Marciano, Terry Branstad

Mike to Speak at January 7th HAWK Party

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 | Speaking, Wrestling | No Comments

Following the Iowa-Minnesota wrestling meet at Carver–Hawkeye Arena, Mike will be the guest speaker at the H.A.W.K. party at the Coralville Radisson, located at 1220 1st Ave Coralville.  There is a cover charge of $20, which includes food and drinks. H.A.W.K. was formed in 1978 and is the oldest collegiate wrestling fan support organization.  According to its officers, the club’s goal has always been to enhance the Hawkeye wrestling fan’s experience and support Hawkeye wrestlers.  In that pursuit, H.A.W.K. provides an avenue for fans, athletes, parents, and coaches to socialize and celebrate all that is Hawkeye wrestling.  The club has over 300 members across the country. Mike will have some of his 17 wrestling books for sale and give 50 percent of the proceeds to the club.

Tags: HAWK Klub