All Star Coach 2010
Assistant Coach Mike Dawson
Allen Park High School
Mike Dawson grew up in the Allen Park community, graduated from Allen Park High School and returned to this district as a high school assistant principal and athletic director in 2000. He is currently the principal of Allen Park Middle School where he has been serving as educational leader for the past five years. As a high school student, Mike lettered in football, basketball and baseball and played football for Hall of Fame Coaches Ed Bellas, Robert Kelly, Ron Pascuzzi and Gary Templin. From them he learned about the discipline, work ethic, positive attitude and commitment necessary to run a successful athletic program.
Mike received a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1991 from Eastern Michigan University, a Masters in Sports Administration in 1999 from Wayne State University and an Education Specialist in 2002 also from Wayne State. He started coaching high school football in 1987 and served as the head football and basketball coach as well as the JV baseball coach at Melvindale High School. In 1991 he began his teaching career in English also at Melvindale High School and took on additional responsibilities as athletic director. Being an integral part of both the academic and athletic world has given Mike the ability to impact his athletes significantly. He stresses the critical importance of achieving in the classroom as well as on the field.
Mike’s coaching experience includes five years of semi professional football with the Downriver Raiders and Southern Michigan Timberwolves (1995-2000) and he served as Defensive Coordinator for the 1996 National Champion Downriver Raiders and the 1999 National Runners-up SM Timberwolves.
Mike Dawson coaches with the same leadership, integrity and character that he demonstrates in his professional life as an educator and in his personal life as a strong family man. He lives with a passionate commitment to helping develop students and athletes to their utmost potential. He has been married to his wife Lori for 16 years and is a devoted father to his two children, Abigail (13) and Liam (11).