Rocky Marciano Tribute Ceremony in Newton August 30

Monday, August 5th, 2019 | Speaking | No Comments

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic death of Rocky Marciano on August 31, 1969, in an airplane crash in Newton. The tragedy made world-wide news and was a big moment in the history of sports as Rocky is the only undefeated heavyweight champion in boxing, retiring in 1955 with a record of 49-0, and 43 knockouts. A ceremony will be held just off Highway 14 at the 164 entrance to Newton, on Friday, August 30, at 10 a.m.. The city is dedicating a large informational sign near the Jasper County Museum with photos and a biography, and a rock bearing the former champion’s image and ring record.   

Mayor Mike Hansen and historian/author Mike Chapman will offer remarks at the dedication. A reception will be held afterwards in the Jasper County Museum, where a beautiful sculpture of Rocky and many items will be on display.The public is invited to attend both the dedication and the reception.

Tags: Rocky Marciano

Iowa Football Legends Speech – September 16

Monday, August 5th, 2019 | Book Signing, Books, Speaking | No Comments

Four State of Iowa football players will be the subject of Mike’s talk at the Cambridge Memorial Library on Monday, September 16, starting at 6:30 p.m., in Cambridge, Iowa. He will discuss his book “Triumph and Tragedy”, which offers the inspiring stories of of Fred Becker, Iowa’s first All-American football star who died in heroic action during World War I; Jack Trice, for whom Iowa State’s stadium is named; Nile Kinnick, Iowa’s Heisman Trophy winning sensation and star of the famed Ironmen team of 1939; and Johnny Bright, the greatest athletic star in Drake University history. The speech is free and open to the public and Mike will have copies of several of his books for sale.

Tags: Fred Becker, Jack Trice, Johnny Bright, Nile Kinnick

Speech in Waterloo for Veterans, August 10

Monday, June 17th, 2019 | Speaking | No Comments

Mike will be the featured speaker at a special event being held in Waterloo to recognize the 100^th year anniversary of the American Legion all across our great country. The event will be held at the Electric Park on August 10, beginning at 5 p.m. Mike will talk about Fred Becker and Carl Chapman, two Waterloo legends who lost their lives fighting in World War I.

In 1916, Becker, an East High graduate, became the first All-American football player in the history of the University of Iowa and two years later, on July 18, 1918, he was killed in heroic action in France. Chapman was a standout athlete at West High before attending Amherst College in Massachusetts. He was the first Iowa aviator to die in the war, being shot down in heavy action on May 3, 1918.

Mike has written extensively about Becker’s heroics and has been on numerous radio talk shows to tell about his career. He was also the catalyst behind the naming of Fred H. Becker Elementary School in 2013. Mike has a new book coming out soon called “Stars in Waterloo” that talks about Becker and Chapman, as well as many other famous citizens of Waterloo.

The event is sponsored by Becker-Chapman A.L. Post 138, with all proceeds going to the post. The cost is $25.00 and includes a catered meal by Randall’s of Hudson and live music. For more information, call the Becker-Chapman AL Post at 319-234-8511.

Tags: Fred Becker, Waterloo

Iowa Hall of Pride – Iowa High School Wrestling Tournament Kick-Off

Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 | Wrestling | No Comments

From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.on Thursday, Feb. 14,  the Iowa Hall of Pride will be hosting Chris Cakes of Iowa to kick off the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament. Wrestling historian/author Mike Chapman, Wartburg wrestling Coach Jim Miller, and IAwrestle will all be present to talk with fans and parents. 

The event is sponsored by Perficut, E.P. True Chiropractic, and IAwrestle.  Admission will be $5.00 per person, which will get fans all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, orange drink/coffee, and all-day admission into the Iowa Hall of Pride! 

The Iowa Hall of Pride is located on the Southeast corner of the Iowa Event Center on the lower level, right next to where wrestlers will be weighing in. Join us to “pin a pancake” and kickoff the 2019 Iowa State Wrestling Championships at the Iowa Hall of Pride! Event: “State Cakes” at the Iowa Hall of Pride

Date: Thursday, February 14, 2019

Time: 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Location: Iowa Hall of Pride
330 Park Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

Tags: Chris Cakes, Iowa Hall of Pride, Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament