Reflections Magazine Issue #60 - Fall 2003 | Page 20

Alumni
Profile

18

M

ike Vollmar ‘88 is now
assistant

athletic

Successful Sports Administrator
Credits — and Supports — Siena
By Jere Righter ‘93

director

and director of football operations
for Michigan State University. He’s

Before moving to MSU, Mike Vollmar ’88

held those responsibilities since

worked in football administration for five

1996. His duties include overseeing

years at Syracuse University and three

the internal and external operations
of the football program plus super-

years at The University of Michigan.

vising the athletic department’s
equipment program. He also serves
on the American Football Coaches
Association’s national committee for
Directors of Football Operations.
Almost 20 years ago, he came to
Siena ready to participate in athletics
(he was a runner for the Saints) and
take advantage of the small college
atmosphere that would allow him to
make a difference in his courses as
well as on the field.
Former track and field coach Pat
Palmer remembers “how hard Mike
researched and worked on his pro“Siena Heights, and the teachers and coaches I had there, provided me with experiences
and opportunities that went well beyond the classroom or the athletic field. As I worked
through my classes, I was also afforded an opportunity to work in athletic administration,
which was the career path I wanted to take following graduation. There is no question that
these experiences helped me outside of the classroom.
“Pat Palmer, who recruited me to Siena, allowed me to work on a project outlining how
Siena Heights might establish a football program. Fred Smith allowed me to work in the
area of sports information for a semester. Just observing my track coaches, including Tim
Bauer, gave me insight on the administration of an athletic program. All of these things
gave me a taste of what athletics administration was about at the collegiate level.
“Without question, Siena Heights had a strong influence on my career path.”

posal for a Siena Heights football
team. Obviously football was his
passion, and I am really proud of his
accomplishments since graduation.
He was a hard worker with a really
great attitude to go after the things
he wanted.”