Michael Van Boxel '76 is the first-ever National Champion in the history of Ripon College athletics, accomplishing that feat in 1974 as part of the Redmen wrestling team. A two-time All-American on the wrestling mat, Van Boxel was also an All-Conference football player as a defensive back in the only year he played. He was inducted into Ripon's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987.
Wrestling at the 167-pound weight class, Van Boxel reached the pinnacle of college athletics during his junior season when he won the Division-III National Championship, capping off a season that saw him achieve a 27-2 record. That was the highlight of a very successful career for Van Boxel, who compiled an outstanding career record of 58-5. The following year, as a senior, Van Boxel again qualified for Nationals, finishing fifth at the meet to earn a second consecutive All-American award.
"Winning the NCAA Division-III Wrestling Championship is something I can't replace, but when my effort to repeat as champion in 1975 fell short, I learned a valuable life lesson," Van Boxel said. "We can never be satisfied and must continue to strive toward our goals. Success is achieved and our efforts are rewarded only through hard work and dedication. We can't take anything for granted in athletics, or life in general."
Van Boxel's experience at Nationals not only taught him that important life lesson, but also taught him about kindness and generosity. After qualifying for Nationals in 1974, along with teammate and fellow Ripon Hall of Famer LeRoy Kirk '74, the College was unable to send the duo to the meet, which would take place in Pennsylvania. If not for local insurance agent Sam Holmes '57, who had been an All-Conference runner for Ripon's cross country team, Van Boxel may have never appeared at Nationals, let alone become a National Champion.
"Although he wasn't my coach, Sam Holmes' influence on my college career was significant. He paid our way to Nationals in Pennsylvania so that we could compete while representing Ripon College," Van Boxel recalled. "Sam taught me what 'family' was all about, and without the kindness and sacrifice that he expressed to me, I would've never accomplished my biggest goal of winning the National Championship."
Ripon's interim wrestling coach at the time, 'Doc' Brooks, also had a significant impact on Van Boxel's career and helped him achieve his goals.
"Coach Brooks deserves a special thanks for keeping me grounded and focused on the task ahead," said Van Boxel.
In addition to his storied wrestling career, Van Boxel played one year for the Redmen football team as a junior in 1974. During his lone season on the gridiron, Van Boxel appeared in nine games, recording five interceptions as a defensive back, en route to Second Team All-Conference honors. In addition to that, he served as the punter for the Redmen, averaging 30.6 yards on 25 punts, as the team recorded a 7-2 record, including a 5-2 mark in the MWC, finishing second in the conference standings.
"The opportunity to play one year of college football, along with my younger brother Steve, was very special and represented a time in my life that I'll never forget," Van Boxel said. "My experience at Ripon College mostly had to do with the great people I encountered through athletics. My roommate, Nort Krauss, became my best friend and our families, children and grandchildren have been in both our lives throughout. Friends like Jase, Ryan-o, Hughsie and many others made the experience all worth it."
Van Boxel currently resides in his hometown of Green Bay, Wis., where he attended West High School. He currently works in sales for The Elite Group, which is based in De Pere.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLICK HERE to view and read all of Ripon's archived '100 For 100' profiles, which will have each profile added to it once it is posted online.
