Mike Guadango / Baseball
Graduation Year: 2010
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Upper Saddle River, N.J.
 
During his four seasons for WP (2006-10), Mike batted .413 with 257 hits, 177 RBI, 167 runs scored, 54 doubles and 26 home runs – all of those totals still rank among the top 10 in program history. A four-time first-team all-NJAC selection and four-time all-region honoree, Mike was twice named an all-American as an outfielder/designated hitter. 
 
What have you been up to since you graduated from William Paterson?
I started a performance training facility in Oakland, N.J., called Freak Strength.  We cater to athletes of all ages. 
FreakStrength.com: Mike is currently a Coach, Writer & Owner at Freak Strength and has been coaching for over 10 years. He has coached levels of athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, MLL, MLS, WWE, Rugby League, Rugby Union and Olympic Gold medalists to pre-pubescent athletes.  He has also consulted for high caliber athletes and coaches worldwide. He has worked with NBA Champs, 10+ NFL Super bowl Champs, 10+ All-Pro/Pro-bowl selections, 5+ College National Champions, 10+ Division 1a All-Americans, 20+ Collegiate All-Americans & players from every Division 1 conference.
 
I am also back in school. I finished my master's in acupuncture and am currently on the path to attaining my doctorate as well. 
 
Do you have a favorite memory from your time on campus?
My best memories were playing baseball. I remember misjudging a fly ball really badly against TCNJ when Mike Santana was pitching my freshman year. I came back to the dugout and Coach Albies was sitting on the bench with his hands in the air and said, "Son… ya gotta have a clue."  If I hadn't gone 3-for-5 that day with two doubles there's a really good chance I wouldn't have been back in the lineup.
 
What have you taken from your time at WP that has helped you be successful, personally and professionally?
For me, William Paterson is one of those schools that's great for people who are self-starters. My time here was valuable because it allowed me to hone in on my ability to grow and push myself, both with baseball as well as academics. My academic advisors, Dr. Figueroa and the late Dr. Manning (RIP), recognized my abilities and encouraged me to pursue them by allowing me to go to Pitt for my internship. This is something that wasn't typical at the time. But they understood what I wanted to do and how it would benefit me in the long run. That internship changed my life and I wouldn't be where I am today without it and without their understanding.
 
I know a handful of very successful people that graduated from William Paterson and we're all very proud to have gone here. 
 
Are you still in contact with your former Pioneer teammates and coaches?
I speak with Coach Albies occasionally. He was my guy. He was there for me when no one wanted me. I will love that man and be loyal to him as long as I live. I also keep in touch with a few teammates and some coaches as well. Pitching coach Scott Farber – he always had my back, and I will never forget that.   James Gregory – my freshman year roommate, he has started an apparel company Turn2Sports and is absolutely crushing it! Brett Carroll – my first professional athlete! We still talk. In fact, he just started coming back to my gym to get back in shape again.
 
What do you miss about being a student and an athlete at WP?
I miss being able to dedicate my life to the pursuit of physical excellence. Being young enough to be able to recover from pushing myself to the limit.
 
If a student is considering attending William Paterson, what would you tell them?
Whatever you're studying, just get a 3.5 or higher. It makes life a lot easier and keeps doors open later on. Also, always try and push the 18 credit limit as frequently as you can. Classes really aren't as stressful as you perceive. You can handle a lot more than you think. It'll save you money and help you push yourself to be great.
 
If you could give one piece of advice to a current Pioneer student-athlete, what would it be?
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." – Will Durant
 
Don't waste your time thinking about what you want to do. Pick three areas that you want to learn about and get internships doing them ASAP. EVERYONE will take free help. Volunteer everywhere you can. Take out the trash, clean the floors, anything you can just to get yourself in the door to see if you want to be in that profession. This will save you a lot of time and money. This will also put you in front of people that will likely be in a position to hire you once it's time for you to graduate. So, whatever you do, do it well.