Immediately before and during the turn of the century Michael Thomas Schmidt was a great athlete and a charismatic student at CM Russell High School. One would be hard-pressed to find a more highly touted football player than the tenacious Rustler defensive tackle known simply as "Schmidty". As a pigskin standout he amassed an array of accolades from All-State honors and Tribune Super-State Awards to representing the Electric City as a captain of the East squad of the 2000 Shrine Team. Mike was not simply a football god, but he also played a pivotal role on the 2000 men's basketball state championship team. When Mike was not excelling on the field he could often be found cheering on other athletic teams or diligently studying for academic endeavors. Mike was a member of the Rustler All-Time team and finished his career a one of the best football players to ever put on the green and gold.

Mike went on to attend Montana State University where he was a 4.0 student and a promising Bobcat offensive lineman. Looking for a change of scenery, Mike transferred to the University of Montana-Western. The rest is history. Mike single-handedly turned a dismal bulldog football team into a Frontier Conference powerhouse. Mike led the Western Bulldogs to two Frontier Conference co-championships (tying with the eventual National Champion Carroll College Saints). Mike anchored an offense that found itself at the top of the conference standings in several categories. As a Bulldog standout Mike was named to the All Frontier Conference team on three occasions, and was named to the NAIA All-American team.

Despite being extremely busy with football and academics Mike always made time for children and fans. Mike was a staple at Coach Jack Johnson's Electric City football camp, where he taught the youths of Great Falls not only how to block and tackle but the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. Mike was conscious of his role in the community and always made time to sign autographs and take pictures with his young fans.

Mike was a true student athlete who used his academic prowess to tutor fellow students in upper level mathematics courses.

After his college football career came to an end Mike continued to pursue his passion for the game. While continuing with his academic pursuits, Mike accepted a position as the head offensive line coach for the Western Bulldogs. In 2007, Mike received his degree in Business Administration. Mike continues to coach, lead and develop college athletes often molding and mentoring these kids into strong and healthy young men. Mike exudes what it means to be a Rustler and he truly deserves to be the first member of the CM Russell Alumni Wall of Fame.