DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Induction Year: 2013

Michael Edward Lucas was born in Dayton, Ohio to Don and Janet Lucas. He was raised in Clayton, Ohio, and is a 1975 graduate of Northmont High School where he was a varsity letterman in football and wrestling. He is the oldest of four boys.

Mike is a 1980 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Education. He received his Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Dayton.

Mike began his 33-year career at Tecumseh in 1980, where he was hired to teach Health and Physical Education at Olive Branch Middle School. Mike taught 4 years at Olive Branch and 8 years at Tecumseh High School. 

During his 12 year teaching career Mike was a varsity football coach for 11 years (7 as a varsity assistant/4 as the head coach). He was also the head wrestling coach for 4 years and the boy’s tennis coach for 3 years. 

Coaching was a very rewarding experience for Mike, and will always hold special memories. Mike is extremely proud of the contributions he and his staff made to the football program. 

In 1988 the staff inherited a struggling football program that was 1-29 with an 18 game losing streak. With a loyal and dedicated coaching staff and a group of determined players, they were able to revive the football program to become respectable and competitive. Winning 15 games in four years and setting a positive foundation for the future. The program continues to thrive today because of their efforts.

In the four years as the wrestling coach for the Arrows, Mike had 6 wrestlers qualify for the district tournament as well as 2 state qualifiers. 

In 1992 Mike stepped into the Athletic Directors position, where he served 9 years guiding the athletics program for the Tecumseh Local School District. This opportunity afforded Mike a chance to contribute to Tecumseh on a larger scale. During that time, Mike had the privilege of working with a group of dedicated coaches and athletes who brought great pride to the community and school district with their efforts. 

Mike has several special moments and achievements he will always cherish, such as; conference championships, district and state qualifiers, a first ever state wrestling champion, and a football team that made school history by going 10-0 presenting the Arrows their first ever state playoff birth. 

Mike is most proud of the efforts that the Tecumseh Athletic Boosters provided during his tenure as the Arrows athletic director. A "Commitment to Excellence" was an important motto that was promoted within the Tecumseh athletic organization. The boosters made every effort to promote this with their support for student athletes and the athletic program. Mike’s leadership and vision helped guide the boosters to understand their importance in the success of the athletic program. A number of the programs and facility improvements that student athletes enjoy today can be contributed to the hard work and dedication of this group. Through fundraising and the donation of time and labor, Mike credits the booster’s organization for shaping the future of Tecumseh athletics. During his 9-year period, the athletic boosters were instrumental in contributing major improvements to Spitzer stadium. Other improvements include locker room renovations in the High School, and updating practice and playing fields. A major booster accomplishment was the construction in 1996 of the 11,000 sq ft. multipurpose athletic facility, which has contributed to the success of Tecumseh student athletes. Mike also takes great pride in being a part of establishing the Tecumseh Athletic Hall of Fame, which has celebrated the athletic history, and tradition of the Tecumseh Arrows.

Mike spent the last 12 years of his career as the director of operations for the district. During that time he was also the construction liaison and was responsible for the construction of 6 new school buildings at a cost of 94 million dollars. Mike retired in 2012 after 33 rewarding years of service to the Tecumseh Local School District. 

Mike currently resides in Troy with his wife Julie. They have two children. Their son, Matt, who lives in Charleston, South Carolina. Their daughter Mollie, and her husband Pete live in Troy with their six-month-old daughter, Quinn. 

Mike is honored to become a member of the Tecumseh athletic hall of fame. He will always be indebted for the loyal support from the athletic boosters, administration, and school board during his 33 years in the Tecumseh Local Schools.