When students walk the halls of FHC, they may look at World History teacher Brad Anderson as just a typical, average teacher.  However, many students do not know that Anderson once walked the halls of FHC as a student himself and has watched the school evolve over time. Anderson put his own mark on FHC as being a tough, remarkable wrestler who later continued to compete at Central Michigan University.  His accomplishments led him to a spot on FHC’s Athletic Hall of Fame, and he has agreed to talk about a few aspects of his legacy.

2x MHSAA State Champion

2x Michigan Dream Team Member

3x MHSAA All-State

USAW Junior National All-American

3x Letterwinner at Central Michigan University

Q: How does it feel to be recognized as part of the Athletic Hall of Fame?

A: It’s an incredible honor to be a part of the FHC Athletic Hall of Fame.  To be counted amongst the finest athletes in FHC history is very special to me, but importantly a testament to my parents and the people who helped shape me as a young man.

Q: Was this an award you have always been striving for?

A: The Hall of Fame inaugural year was last year, so back in high school, I was just happy to be the best that I could be for the team, the school, and my parents. Wearing the green and white into battle is privilege enough, so Hall of Fame membership is a bonus.

Q: Could you describe your most memorable win? Where was it was?

A: My most memorable victory was my first state championship my sophomore year.  It took place at Kellogg Arena against a guy named Russell Clark from Holt.  He had beaten me in the regional finals the week before so it was especially satisfying to avenge that loss (in the state finals).

Q: How do you think your legacy has impacted FHC?

A: I just show up every day trying to be what I want our students to become. When I was a student here, I had excellent role models and mentors, so that is the torch that I (hopefully) carry.

Q: How has FHC Athletics evolved since you were a high school student?

A: There is much more school spirit and student recognition. After winning the state title my sophomore and junior years, they didn’t even mention it on the morning announcements. Now, you have state championship flag raisings and college scholarship signings.  That is the way it should be for athletes that put in the hard work.

Q: How has wrestling impacted you?

A: Because of the sport of wrestling, I met my wife, graduated from college with little debt, met my best friends, built toughness and grit and found a lifelong passion that I hope to pass on to other Rangers.

Q: What characteristics do you still hold that you did during your time wrestling?

A: Believe it or not I can be pretty ornery and stubborn.  I don’t like losing and if I am going to compete at something I like to be prepared.  Because of wrestling in high school and college and now coaching it, I see the world through different lenses.

Q: How has your time as a student at FHC prepared you for wrestling at CMU?

A: I had incredible coaches (my dad, Dave Mills & Rick Kacher) that weren’t afraid to push us in the wrestling room.  At Central Michigan, you had to be ready to work hard every day.  I was prepared for that.

Q: What characteristics in your team do you look for as a coach?  Are they similar to your own?

A: Every wrestler is different, but typically I look for mental toughness, grittiness, competitiveness, and character.  Every wrestler can be molded and forged into a man, each with their own set of strengths.

Q: What advice would you pass down to someone who wishes to achieve the same things you have?

A: Set goals and work relentlessly to achieve them.  Get up early.  Hustle.  And don’t be afraid to fail.

Q: Is it true that your father is introducing you at this event?  How has he impacted your life as a dad and an important figure in your life?

A: In my opinion, Dan Anderson is the most incredible man on the face of the earth.  He has been shot, stabbed, broken his back, orphaned at the age of thirteen, and then went on to be an incredible father, husband, business owner, teacher of the year, national team coach, world-class outdoorsman and local legend.  If anyone should be inducted into the Hall of Fame, it should be him not me.  I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him and hope someday I can be half the man that he is.  My mom and dad were so supportive and I cannot thank them enough for pushing me as a young man.