Grinnell College Athletics

Harry (Mike) Augustine '18 was a 12-letter winner in four sports- football, basketball, baseball and track- in the days before freshman were varsity eligible. No wonder that he earned the nickname "Iron Mike." An athlete out of little Orient, Iowa, Mike became an Iowa Collegiate All-Star fullback and basketball center for three straight seasons. He also was a star pitcher and a quarter miler in track. When Mike was inducted into the Des Moines Register's Iowa Hall of Fame in 1991, he was remembered as a triple-threat back on Pioneer football teams that lost only twice in three years. In 1917 he scored all of Grinnell's points in a 10-0 victory over the University of Iowa. After graduation "Doc" stayed in athletics as a coach, serving five years at Greenfield, Iowa, before a 26-year career at East High School in Des Moines. At East he produced 14 state championships in track and seven city titles in football. A second nickname, "Silent Mike," characterized his coaching. He was a quiet yet intense leader known for his integrity.  The Grinnellian was ahead of his time in one important aspect. "I think he was the least prejudiced person I have ever known. I really don't think he knew or paid any attention to the race of his players" was one admirer's description. "Iron, Silent Mike" passed away in 1964.