Augustana University Athletics

In one brief season, Mike Ratzloff set the stage for an outstanding football career at Augustana. He was a member of the 1964 freshman football team that posted a 4-0 record. Wayne State, the University of South Dakota, Morningside College ,and South Dakota State University were the victims.

The next season Ratzloff led the varsity team in scoring with 26 points, and tied for the lead in pass receptions with 19. His 261 total yards ranked second on the team.

During the 1966 season he was the runner-up in scoring with 34 points. He also finished second in receiving with 19 catches for 291 yards.

In 1967 he led Augustana in receptions with 29 and in receiving with 448. His 29 catches also led the NCC. He tied the single game TD mark three times and set the career touchdown reception record wit 11, a record that stood until 1973. H was named to the All-Lutheran team, an indication of his ability as the Vikings' snapper for punts.

Mike lists the comeback 21-17 victory over SDSU in the final game of his career as a memorable event. One sportswriter wrote, "In statistics SDUS had the edge but in big plays and overflowing desire the Jackrabbits had their "hop" taken away by the Vikings who hopped better than any rabbit every will."

He graduated from Augie in 1968, and earned his master's from St. Cloud State University in 1982. Coaching and teaching have been his career.