Mike Pearson

A look back at the history & traditions of athletics at Michigan State University. Spartan birthdays, OnThisDate history, trivia, pix, videos & MSU memorabilia.

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Celebrating his 53rd birthday on Wednesday is @MSU_Football grad Bob Denton. He went on to play in the NFL for the Carolina @Panthers and has became an assistant football coach at Mooresville Schools in Indiana. @MHSBeMOORE @MSDMartinsville @Martinsville_FB

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Happy 45th Birthday to @MSU_Football alumnus Mark Goebel. He is now a Physician Liaison at @MillerVein in Troy, a provider for state-of-the-art varicose vein & spider vein treatments. @BroRiceWarriors

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

48 years ago today - June 3, 1978 - three @MSUBaseball players were named to the 11-man All-Big Ten Baseball first-team. Third baseman Tony Spada, shortstop Rodger Bastien and centerfielder Kirk Gibson (pictured) all were honored.

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Happy 71st Birthday on Wednesday (June 4) to 1975, '76 & '77 @MSU_Football letterman Jim Sciarini. He went on to earn a law degree at Indiana University and now resides in Toledo, Ohio. @BishopDwengerHS @BDSaintsFB

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Celebrating his 83rd birthday on Wednesday (June 3) to former @MSU_msoccer All-American Payton Fuller. He succeeded Gene Kenney as head coach of the Spartans (1970-73), posting a 20-8-9 record. He became a math professor at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla.

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Born 82 years ago yesterday is former @MSU_Basketball star Bill Curtis. His son, William, was a four-time men's volleyball letter winner at Stanford. @GRPublicSchools

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

We're a day late (June 2) in wishing @MSU_Football alum Sterling Armstrong a Happy 80th Birthday. He's a longtime resident of Lansing and employee of the Lansing School District. @DetroitCentral1

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

• Birthdays, history and trivia for the old-school Spartan fans. https://t.co/i3ooTXwlzK

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Friday's collegiate birthdays include Syracuse basketball's Carmelo Anthony (pictured, 42), Kansas basketball's Raef LaFrentz (50), Indiana basketball's Wayne Radford (70), Wisconsin wrestling's Russ Hellickson (78) and Tulane football's Shaun King (49).

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Happy 33rd Birthday to @MSU_Basketball grad Colby Wollenman. Dr. Wollenman earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt U, where he conducted orthopaedic research ranging from basic science in immunocoagulopathy to clinical studies in pediatric pathology. @SPRIVail

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Happy 39th Birthday to @MSU_Football graduate Otis Wiley. @Owiley21 is now the Executive Director at Playfly Sports in East Lansing. @CarmAinsHS @ThisIsSpartaMSU

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Turning 68 on Friday is former @MSU_TFXC sprinter Randy Smith. He was a four-time Big Ten champion in the 60-yard dash (1977-80)..

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Happy 58th Birthday to former @MSU_Football tight end Duane Young. He played in the NFL for six seasons with the San iego Chargers (1991–1995) and the Buffalo Bills (1998). Duane's son, Dewey, is a prominent recruit from Kalamazoo Central High School. @DeweyYoung2027 @KCGiantsFB

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Celebrating his 53rd birthday on Friday (May 29) is @MSU_Basketball grad @DaimonBeathea . He's now the CEO of World Vision Sports and Entertainment Management in Overland Park, Kan. @ElkhartHSSports

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

55 years ago today - May 29, 1971 - @MSU_TFXC sprint star Herb Washington tied Jesse Owens' 36-year-old conference record in the 100-yard dash, clocking in at :09.4. As a team, the Spartans placed fourth in the Big Ten Championships.

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Happy 37th Birthday on Friday to @MSU_Football grad @BJCunningham_3 . He concluded his Spartan career as the school's all-time leader in receptions (218) and receiving yards (3,086), and also ranked second in career TD receptions with 25. @SouthWildcats @WSHSWildcatsFB

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Thursday's collegiate birthdays include Ohio State football's Rex Kern (pictured, 77), Michigan basketball's Glen Rice (59), Weber State basketball's Ben Howland (69) and Dartmouth football's David Shula (57).

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Fifty years ago today - May 28, 1976 - Ron "Bobo" Charles signed a national letter of intent to play basketball for Coach Jud Heathcote. Charles died in 2024 at the age of 65.

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Happy 37th Birthday to former @MSU_Football receiver @_MarkDell . The four-time Spartan letter winner played for Denver in the NFL and Edmonton in the CFL, and now resides in Southfield. @FHHarrisonFB

[Mike Pearson @Spartifactsmsu]

Celebrating her birthday on Thursday (May 28) is former Spartan fundraiser Terry Fossum. She is the daughter of MSU golf coaches Bruce and Mary Fossum.