LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – For five full decades, UW-La Crosse associate head coach Mike Anderson has been in the football business in one way or another.
A native of Mondovi, he began his coaching career after his playing days at UW-Eau Claire came to an end.
“I had 21 years of coaching high school football at Menomonie and La Crosse Central,” Anderson said. “Then Coach Harring asked me to come over here and join his staff in 1995.”
Having coach both teenagers and young men, he’s noticed some differences in leading the two.
“In high school, you’re kind of dealt your cards over what kids want to come out and play football,” Anderson said. “We had a great group of kids there at La Crosse Central. But coming over here to the college level, these are guys that say ‘I want to continue to play football, it’s extremely important to me.’”
Even after 50 years, he still manages to find enjoyment in certain parts of the job.
“Well the big thing is working with the kids and the coaches,” Anderson said. “I can’t describe what the feeling is like in the locker room before the game.”
Now with the Eagles, Anderson is helping Head Coach Matt Janus. The boss says he’s grateful to have a veteran on his staff.
“He’s just everything,” Janus said. “To this place, to me. It’s just special to have his guidance and to lean on his expertise throughout my coaching career here, but especially over the last three years I’ve been the head coach.”
“We say it all the time,” quarterback Keyser Helterbrand said. “If you cut Coach A open, he’ll bleed eagles. The man has dedicated his life to Eagle football. Each and every day, I take something away from what he says. He’s a huge part of this program.”
Anderson was honored for his 50 years of coaching earlier this season when UW-L held “Coach A Day” during their home opener.
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