Mike Ashley
Mike was named to the 1969 Associated Press Class C First Team as a defensive guard, Detroit News All-State Class C First Team offensive guard and United Press International All-State second team as a guard. Beyond all the statistics that evaluate offensive “skilled positions”, there are those that are recognized for greatness by the success of the team. Mike started on varsity all four years in high school.  An 0-8 record his freshman year in the tough CMAC was followed by an 0-7-1 his sophomore season, 5-4 as a junior, including breaking a 36 game winless streak. Entering his senior year in 1969, third year Coach Gary Roberts named Mike as captain. Mike’s quiet leadership, lead by example and tough as nails player, enabled DeWitt to win their first CMAC league championship and first undefeated season since 1964. The team posted five shutouts defensively and beat third ranked Potterville 40-34 before a crowd of 4,000. Twice, Mike accounted for over 20 tackles in a game. At 5’10” and 170 pounds his size is dwarfed by today’s standards. However, Ashley’s outstanding play earned him the post season honors he deserved and is one of the best linemen in DeWitt Football history. Mike went on to assist DeWitt baseball in the 1990s, lending his leadership skills as the Panthers garnered eight league titles and three appearances in the State championship games, winning one in 1993