How did you first get involved with the Terrapin Club?
Mike: I joined soon after graduating in 1985. To me, Bobby Ross was the greatest coach ever and I wanted to support the program in any way I could.
What motivates you to give so generously?
Mike:Â I grew up 15 minutes from campus, Maryland Athletics has played a major part of my life. It is my way of giving back for everything the program has provided to me.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other donors and fans?
Mike: I have written my first suspense/thriller novel titled "With Intent to Deceive" (available on Amazon). A percentage of all book sales will be donated to Smigocki Family Endowed Scholarship Fund to provide scholarship opportunities to accounting majors at the University.
Do you have an anecdote about Maryland Athletics or the Terrapin Club that you would share?
Mike: When I was 14, I met legendary point guard Brad Davis at a basketball camp. He invited me to come watch the Terps practice. While the team was practicing five on five half-court offense, Lefty told me to go in and replace one of the players on defense. I had to guard Turk Tillman, who later transferred to Eastern Kentucky and led the nation in scoring. Needless to say, my defense did not fair any better against him.
Who is on your Mount Rushmore of Maryland Athletics
Mike: My great uncle – Bob "Shoo Shoo" Shemonski. He was a running back on the 1953 National Championship team and whose single game touchdown record (5) remains #1 today, and whose single season touchdown record (15) was broken by the great LaMont Jordan (16).
What do you hope Maryland Athletics will achieve this year?
Mike: I hope that participants in all sports are able to compete and remain healthy during this pandemic.
If you could go back in time and witness one Terps game live (in any sport), what would it be and why?
Mike: I was at the 2002 National Championship game for basketball, so it would be the 1974 ACC championship game between Maryland and N.C. State. They were the two top teams in the country, and back then, only the conference champion advanced to the NCAAs. Many people believe this was the greatest NCAA basketball game ever played.
What is the first Maryland game you ever went to?
Mike: It was the 1973 Penn St/Maryland football game. I remember Penn St returning the opening kickoff for touchdown and their running back, John Cappelletti running for over 200 yards. Despite the loss, I was hooked from that game on.
What do you want to see Maryland Athletics achieve moving forward?
Mike: Many of Maryland's men's and women's teams in various sports have experienced the thrill of winning the National Championship. I would love to see football achieve this same honor.
What makes Maryland Athletics so special?
Mike: It has been engrained in my blood for almost my entire life.Â
