The most prolific scorer in University of Delaware men's soccer history, Mike Biggs could always be counted on to consistently provide the Blue Hens with an important goal during his three-year varsity career in 1968-70. A native of Wilmington, Del., he played for head coach Loren Kline and helped lead the Blue Hens to a cumulative mark of 27-10-3, two Middle Atlantic Conference runner-up finishes, and NCAA regional berths in 1968 and 1970. He still holds school records for goals in a season (17), goals in a career (47), points in a career (99), and is one of just two players in school history to score four goals in a single game.
A 1971 Delaware graduate, Mike tallied 17 goals as a sophomore in 1968, 14 as a junior in 1969, and 16 as a senior in 1970 when he served as co-captain. He scored 47 of the team's 99 goals during that stretch. He was named the Middle Atlantic Conference West Section MVP in 1970 and earned a spot on the All-region team in both 1968 and 1970. Following graduation, he played soccer with the Philadelphia Inter and with the Delaware Wings of the American Soccer League. Mike and his wife, Susie (a UD graduate), reside in the Phoenix, Ariz. area and have one daughter, Jill. He worked for 30 years at Delaware Tech on the Student Services staff and is an accomplished photographer who has published seven books. Mike was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009
As a student-athlete, what brought you to the University of Delaware?
" As a graduate of Brandywine High School, I was well aware of the University of Delaware, its business program and beautiful campus. Add a budding soccer program under Coach Loren Kline, with a nucleus of talented upper classmen, and I really couldn't ask for more. I must say that when I venture through the campus today and look at the athletic facilities as well as the new academic buildings it's no wonder the University is so highly regarded among student athletes.”
What do you remember most about your time as a student-athlete at the University of Delaware?
"Playing soccer at the University was certainly most rewarding because I was given the opportunity to play with some gifted athletes who were willing to put individual goals aside to strive for the success of our teams. We enjoyed each other on and off the field and just played one game at a time with the goal of playing our best and, hopefully, winning a conference championship and a NCAA Tournament berth. The highlight of my career was definitely getting two NCAA tournament bids.”
Do you continue to follow the team?
"I have continued to follow the team for many years, often taking action photos for the coaches and players. This year was certainly special so when we saw that they had beaten the University of Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament and were coming out to UCLA for a second round game, there was no way Susie and I were going to miss it. We went over with Paul Banker and his wife as well as Gary Harding, both members of the 1970 NCAA Tournament team, and watched the Hen's put up a valiant effort in a 1-0 loss to UCLA, who eventually lost in the semi finals to the eventual NCAA Champion North Carolina. This team certainly distinguished itself as the best Delaware has ever had and we look forward to the continued success of the soccer program."
Tell us about your current career and what makes it so special?
"I currently live in a "active adult community" located in the northwest valley of Phoenix, Arizona with my wife, Susie. Our only daughter, Jill Tumminello and her husband Dan, both Blue Hen graduates, live about thirty minutes east of us."
What would be your advice to today's women's student-athletes?
"Well, I've always been "old school", so I feel that it's important that when a university makes a commitment to you that you certainly need to do your part as well. If you have a code of conduct, live by that code of conduct and represent you, your family and the university that you represent to the best of your ability, both on and off the field. Secondly, remember you are playing team sports and team goals come first. If you always give it your best, that in itself is quite a reward. Finally, enjoy the university experience. When you look back on it many years later, you'll probably see that your time at the University of Delaware provided you with some of the very best years of your life.!”
What do you like to do outside of work?
"Susie and I really enjoy traveling, both abroad and here in the states and we also have fun playing golf... my how it keeps one humble! I still take lots of photos, particularly when we travel."
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
“Most people probably don't know that I have no hearing in my right ear. I had a benign tumor removed from my inner ear in 1998 and, as a result, lost all of my hearing on the right side. I must admit it does come in handy when some of the "honey do's" are given to me by Susie. Despite that minor setback, we have truly been blessed and are "living the dream." We both would like to thank the University of Delaware for a great education and a fantastic educational experience. GO HENS!"
