Mike Carter / Football
Graduation Years: 1983, 1988
Majors: Exercise and Movement Science; MEd Special Education
Hometown: Bloomfield, N.J.

Mike appeared in 40 career contests for WP, twice earning all-New Jersey State College Athletic Conference accolades.

What have you been up to since you graduated from William Paterson?
After graduation my first teaching job full time was a special needs school in South Orange at that time (Washington Academy, kudos to Dr. Jack Schwartz). After 2.5 years there I was hired by the Bloomfield School District to teach special education and coach football/baseball. That was 30 plus years ago. I was lucky enough to play for Coach Frank Glazier at William Paterson. He said to me when I was a senior and being recruited, and I quote "Kid I hope you come and play for us. I think we can help you and you can help us. But if nothing else I hope you find something you love doing because you will never work a day in your life if you do." 30 plus years -- still love teaching and coaching. Never considered it work.
 
Married Gerise Smith in '92 and had five children: Mike Jr., Kelly (WPU Grad Student), Danny (WPU baseball junior, three-year starter), Brian and Megan. Gerise passed suddenly in 2018. She was simply the best mother, wife, nurse, friend, sister. You name it.
 
Do you have a favorite memory from your time on campus?
Playing 40 games of football with some great guys. Made a lot of nice friendship/relationships.
 
What have you taken from your time at WP that has helped you be successful, personally and professionally?
Work ethic, dedication and commitment from athletics that I learned from Coach Glazier/staff and my parents. Mom was an awesome archer at BHS and Dad was a world-class track star at Seton Hall University that probably would have made the Olympics in '52 if he did not get sick. My grandfather (mom's dad) was a two-time world record holder in hurdles, was in the 1928 Olympics and was a world-renowned track coach.
 
Are you still in contact with your former Pioneer teammates and coaches?
Mark Costantino and I have been best friends since we were 2 (kid you not) and we played together at WP. Played with and still keep in contact with Gary Young, John Peine, Craig De Pascale, Kevin Flanagan, Eddie Balina, Mike McCourt, Dennis Hard and several others. Very much miss head trainer Toby Barboza who passed away. Toby was the best!
 
What do you miss about being a student and an athlete at WP?
Everything. WP was a fun place to go to school.

If a student is considering attending William Paterson, what would you tell them?
Had two of my five kids attend and they really enjoy it.
 
If you could give one piece of advice to a current Pioneer student-athlete, what would it be?
Use athletics to get a degree and keep a good balance in life.