Mike Casp

Mike Casp played football with the Bobcats on teams that compiled a record of 21-5-1 from 1955-1958.  He played as an offensive guard and middle linebacker for his first 2 years and then switched to fullback and linebacker.  His fine play resulted in him being named to the All WPIAL three deep team picked by the Pittsburgh Star-Telegraph in 1957. 

In addition to his football ability, Mike also received recognition at Beaver as both a baseball catcher and a good student.  After receiving many college scholarship offers, Mike accepted an appointment to West Point, because he felt that he “needed the discipline.”  Mike quickly earned recognition for fine play at guard and linebacker for the Army teams, even though his top weight was only 214 lbs. 

Because of his leadership abilities, he was elected captain of the Army football team for the 1962 season.  After his graduation from West Point in 1963, Mike served with the Army artillery in Vietnam.  Upon completion of his tour of duty, he served as an instructor in the states, and then volunteered for a second tour in Vietnam.  While on a reconnaissance mission on November 17, 1967, the helicopter carrying him and other troops was shot down and Mike was killed at age 27.  He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. with full military honors.

Mike was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.