Mike Rasmussen (1966) - Track

Mike Rasmussen was an amazing young man as an athlete and as a person. He was on the 1963, ’64 and ’65 football teams and lettered all three years. He played as an offensive lineman and was a starter on the school’s 1965 SWW Conference Champion team. Mike was a two year letterman forward in basketball and was a starter on the 1966 basketball team that placed 2nd in the SWW District playoffs. He was best known for his outstanding records as a middle distance runner, In 1966 he set the former 880 dash school record, was the District Champion 800 meter runner at 1:59.1 and was a member of the District Champion 880 relay that year. He was named the 1966 Basketball Team Inspirational Player and the 1966 R.A. Long Athlete of the Year and was also a candidate for 1967 Longview Athlete of the Year. Mike went on to Central Washington University and was one of their best 800 runners but his career was cut short in 1967 when he was killed in a freak car accident while changing a tire. Mike is remembered not just for his athleticism but also for his exceptional ability to be kind, friendly and understanding of all persons.