Vanguard University

The athlete:  Mikael begins his final year of eligibility…had a successful season in his Vanguard debut in 2002…placed 9^th in GSAC meet and 20^th at Regionals…All-GSAC runner…best 8K time is 26:04…transferred to VU last fall from NCAA Division I Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana…was one of the top runners for the Colonels during his two-year stint at NSU…best 8K time at NSU was 27:05…competed in high school for Burgardens Gymnasium in Gothenburg, Sweden…also a talented track athlete…qualified for NAIA Indoor Track Nationals in the 1000M event last spring…has been running for nine years…has outstanding range…could break the 26-minute mark this fall…should be one of VU’s top three runners…top GSAC contender as well…look for Mikael to provide a huge punch up front again this fall for the Lions.

The person:  Mikael was born on March 27, 1979 in Boden, Sweden…father is Mats Larsson…mother is Marianne Grising…is studying Business Administration at Vanguard…nickname is “The King”…sports hero is Steve Prefontaine…favorite color is blue…thinks pollution and environmental issues are the biggest problems in the world…has learned from life that nothing comes for free…competing in athletics has taught him about discipline and goal-setting…believes the Lions will have a strong team this year.

His thoughts:  I picked Vanguard for the good athletics program and to get a good education.  I like the friendly atmosphere.