Michael Willingham '17 Recruiting Profile

I was raised in a two-parent (Michael, Sr. and Tammy Willingham) household, where both of my parents worked outside of the home. I am from a Christian upbringing and live my life accordingly. I volunteer in my community and church, as well as serve in a youth ministry. My parents raised my sister (Mya Willingham) and me to strive to make our lives better than their lives. My father often reminds my sister and me that Success is when Opportunity meets Preparation. My father was and is a major part to where I am as an athlete today. He started training my sister and me in track & field during our early years. He put me on the football field at the age of 8, on the track at the age of 5 and in field events at the age of 7.  Notably, I also play recreation soccer. My entire youth years have been totally dedicated to track & field as a primary sport and football as a secondary sport. I have conditioned my mindset to become the great athlete that my father trained and guided me in becoming.

My accumulative GPA is currently 3.0, and I am currently enrolled in an S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum high school. I have been actively working in the Broadcasting and Journalism career pathway since my freshman year. I intend to further my education in college in the fields of Biotechnology, Aerospace Engineering and/or Biology. I have upheld my core courses since my freshman years with an emphasis in biology, chemistry, algebra, geometry, and physics.; I also maintained an A/B average in those subject specific core courses.  My ambition is to obtain adequate funding to further my college education.

I currently hold the title of 2016 Dekalb County Champion and the Regional Champion for the high school boy’s Discus (158 feet).  I am a two-sport athlete, with the aspiration to participate in the US Olympics.  I am a recurring athlete in both the annual National Junior Olympics (USATF & AAU) since the age of 8.  I have been a medalist each year in one or more events, and I hold more than 100 medals from my track career for USATF and AAU.  I currently hold two field events top ten finishes in two different events in the Nation, which are 5th place in the Discus and 6th place in the Javelin.  I have incorporated a workout plan to improve my 100m and 200m races as well as increase my strength and agility.  I played recreational football as early as age 8 until I aged out, which was my freshman year in high school.  I played both Varsity and Junior Varsity football during my freshman, sophomore and junior years.  As a rising Senior, I currently play the positions of the Nose Guard and Defensive Tackle.  I am also a Kicker and am capable of kicking a 45 yard field goal.

I am engineering driven with an abundant amount of creativity. I have a passion for drawing and music, but I have never enrolled in an instructor led course. Remarkably, I can draw by photographic memory and play the piano by ear. Additionally, I have a creative mind and I am awesome working with my hands. I frequently dismantle electronic devices to rebuild robots and electronic gadgets.  I am making great strides to go the distance to be recognized for my greatness.