Mike Casp was one of Beaver Area High School’s
most outstanding football players on strong teams that compiled a
record of 21-5-1 from 1955 to 1958. He played as an offensive guard
and middle linebacker for his first two years and then switched
to fullback and linebacker. His fine play resulted in his being
named to the All WPIAL three deep team picked by the Pittsburgh
Star-Telegraph in 1957. In addition to his football ability, Mike also received recognition at
Beaver High as both a baseball catcher and good student. After receiving many college scholarship
offers, Mike accepted an appointment to West Point because he felt
that “he needed the discipline.” Mike quickly earned recognition for
fine play at guard and linebacker for Army teams, even though his
top weight was only 214 pounds. Because of his leadership abilities,
he was elected captain of the Army football team for the 1962
season. After his graduation from West Point in 1963, Mike served
with the Army artillery in Vietnam. Upon completion of his tour of
duty, he served as an instructor in the states, and then volunteered
for a second tour in Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance mission, the
helicopter carrying him and other troops was shot down on November
17, 1967, and Mike was killed at age 27. He was buried in Arlington
National Cemetery in Washington DC with full military honors.
Mike Casp was one of Beaver Area High School’s
most outstanding football players on strong teams that compiled a
record of 21-5-1 from 1955 to 1958. He played as an offensive guard
and middle linebacker for his first two years and then switched
to fullback and linebacker. His fine play resulted in his being
named to the All WPIAL three deep team picked by the Pittsburgh
Star-Telegraph in 1957. In addition to his football ability, Mike also received recognition at
Beaver High as both a baseball catcher and good student. After receiving many college scholarship
offers, Mike accepted an appointment to West Point because he felt
that “he needed the discipline.” Mike quickly earned recognition for
fine play at guard and linebacker for Army teams, even though his
top weight was only 214 pounds. Because of his leadership abilities,
he was elected captain of the Army football team for the 1962
season. After his graduation from West Point in 1963, Mike served
with the Army artillery in Vietnam. Upon completion of his tour of
duty, he served as an instructor in the states, and then volunteered
for a second tour in Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance mission, the
helicopter carrying him and other troops was shot down on November
17, 1967, and Mike was killed at age 27. He was buried in Arlington
National Cemetery in Washington DC with full military honors.