Michael Wilcox, Class of 1971
Mike’s play, as first-team All-Delaware Valley in football, was instrumental in Peddie’s No. 1 ranking in the Delaware Valley. In hockey, his slap shot was so hard it shattered the facemask of the Hun School goalie.
But Mike’s finest hour came that spring in lacrosse. Marshall Chambers, Lawrenceville’s legendary coach, said, “Wilcox is as fine a lacrosse player as has ever played on a Lawrenceville field.”
Many times, the success of the individual athlete comes into conflict with the good of the team. Had Mike played defense throughout the whole season, he would have undoubtedly been a high school All-American. But, when injuries took their toll of the team’s midfielders, Mike – understanding that moving to midfield would probably cost him personally – made that move without hesitation.
Remembering how he hated asking Mike to move to midfield, Coach “Von” says, “Mike probably hated leaving defense, too! But move he did, and our team was immediately much better because of it.” Mike ended his Peddie career as a First-Team All-State selection and as the South’s most valuable player in Jersey’s North-South All-Star game.
After graduation, Mike went to Bowling Green University where he became the first freshman ever to be unanimous first-team All-Midwest choice. He captained his undefeated ’74 team as a junior, captained the ’75 team as well and became the first Bowling Green player to be selected as a collegiate All-American three years in a row. Then he topped off his college career as captain of the South team in the college North-South All-Star Game. Using the leadership skills honed on Peddie playing fields, Mike became a very successful business and family man who continues to support Peddie athletics.