Mike Steinbauer
Special Category
Mike Steinbauer has always been a soccer fan and wanted to see his three boys excel in the sport. He watched the Milwaukee Kickers, a club team on the east side, try to build their program and recruit kids from this area. Instead of promoting Milwaukee, Mike and a few others started the Lakes Soccer Club, bringing club soccer and a higher level of play to the Hartland area. This new club became the feeder program for Arrowhead High School, helping build the foundation for success and igniting the Warhawks soccer dynasty.
For the Lakes Soccer Club, Mike didn’t just coach his boys – he inspired many players, including girls. As a coach for both the girls and boys club teams from 1979 to 2005, Mike introduced basic fundamentals and the “right way” to play. His coaching style and dedication were recognized, and Arrowhead began utilizing Mike as an off-season coach. He coordinated and ran the high school’s off-season program, keeping players in top condition. Players benefited from his involvement as Mike trained and inspired an impressive list of Arrowhead All-Conference, All-State and even professional soccer players.
When indoor soccer gained momentum, Mike was asked to start the indoor Arrowhead soccer program, once again elevating the school to another level and providing extra exposure to the game. He ran the program, coached both the boys and girls teams and worked closely with the Arrowhead soccer coaches. Mike, and his wife Mary, were also known to sponsor kids who couldn’t afford these sessions, helping pay for them to play and attend tournaments.
In addition to helping Arrowhead coaches and players, Mike was instrumental in developing the current Arrowhead soccer stadium. He helped create and organize the initial plan, coordinate and supervise several fundraisers and put an incredible amount of time and energy into working on the actual field. From picking rocks to moving dirt, Mike spent countless hours creating the pitch with his very own hands. His company, LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATES, was responsible for the field’s construction and Mike donated everything. He truly envisioned a first-class stadium for the players, their parents and the community.
Also, because of his knowledge and respect for the game, Mike became the “voice of Arrowhead soccer” as he donated his time to announce the games – and everyone enjoyed his energy and ability to motivate the fans.
Today, when you look at the impressive Arrowhead soccer stadium, the winning program history and strong player development and success, it was Mike Steinbauer’s unparalleled commitment that was the catalyst to make it happen.
Today, Mike still owns and operates LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATES. He and Mary currently live in Monches and have five grandchildren. They continue to support Arrowhead soccer and enjoy watching granddaughter Kacee play for the girls Varsity team.
|
|
|