University of Georgia - Pandora Yearbook (Athens, GA)

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One Of UGA ' s Most Active Alumni Coach Mike signals Touchdown for the Bullpups as Much Frix looks on (RIGHT. Photo by Paul Detwiler.) A former standout offensive line- man for Georgia, . tilic Castronis now serves the University in a vari- ety of capacities. (RIGHT. Photo courtesy of Athletic Department.) As cheerleading coach. Coach Mike is rarely caught off guard, but the VGA IV gels frisky, the cheerleadrs are always at his side. (BELOW.) I I IS an extraordinary person who can capture the admira- tion, respect, and love of so many people and return it with just as much force as he receives it. Mi- chael John Castronis, or more fami- liarly Coach Mike, is one of those few, and the Athens area has been supremely fortunate to receive the energies of such a caring and talent- ed man for close to 43 years. Over those years he has accumulated so many awards and honors in .so many areas, it is difficult to believe a sin- gle man could do so much — and do it well. From 1943-45 he was an All- SEC tackle for the Dawgs; then he accepted coachmg positions at Hart County, Hogansville. Winder, and 20 COA(V{ MIKh- Athens high schools; and for the past 2 decades he has undertaken a number of diverse positions right here on campus ranging from Geor- gia head frosh coach (1961). to assis- tant Dean of Men at Georgia (1964), to an instructor in the Health and P.K. Departments and Director of Intramurals. He also acted as the ad- visor of the UGA cheerleading squad. Coach Mike, a native of .Jackson- ville, Florida has not only been in- volved with the University, but has become well known throughout the community. He has been seen jog- ging around town, working as assis- tant director at the Athens YMCA camp and frequenting Women ' s P.E., yet he always seems to have time to .spend visiting with people. He married the former Miss Orlean York of Athens, and they have raised 3 children. In May of 1983 Athens decided to honor this mar- velous man by sponsoring a Coach Mike Day. In September of 1982, Coach Mike retired from the UGA faculty, but he continued his involvement with the Athletic Department through his concern for young people. He has said many times My most enjoyable activities in my 28 years in Georgia have involved working with young people. This statement has espe- cially held true at UGA. ■SP •

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Clarke County saw a bright and shining star Hke it had never seen before . . and the star ' s name was none other than Kenny Rogers. Predictably enough, having a celebrity move into the midst of Athens caused quite a stir. Kenny, his wife Mary Ann, formely of Ath- ens and their son established the lo- vely Beaver Dam Farms as their fu- ture north Georgia residence. The Rogers showed a substantial interest in the University of Geor- gia. They were the Founding Bene- factors of the ITCA Collegiate Ten- nis Hall of Fame, which served to give recognition to outstanding players and coaches for their colle- giate achievements. On May 18, 1983 there was a ground breaking cere- mony for the new Hall. That after- noon Kenny Rogers, Lyle Wagner, Christopher Atkins, and Pat Har- rington took to the courts for a ce- lebrity Doubles Exhibition Match. (Kenny ' s team won.) The University Union presented Kenny Rogers: In Concert during Spring quarter of 1983. Thousands of fans appeared for the show. It fea- tured several special surprises in- cluding clips from The Coward of the County, home pictures of Ken- ny ' s family (as he sang You Are So Beautiful ), and a scramble for the tambourines he customarily gives away at his concerts. KENNY ROGERi

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« in have ] -ev have j ■NirhMili« I rough (lis I 5 Coach Mike has found a cheerleader for the class of 1999. Smile for the Dawg fans. (ABOVE. Photo by Amy Stewart.) Trying to decide whether or not to ride through the student section, Coach Mike says. Sometime vou just gotta sav what the heck. (LEFT. Photo by Amy Stewart.) tiasespfr J rf ; ' 1! -- ■ .»y» i,a » . zatMMM .. COACH MIKE 21