Meet the Slam's new coach: Brad Mikkelsen
Bradley J. Mikkelsen
Classification: 1.0 Player
Hall of Fame Induction: 1999 (1st inductee)
Home: Fort Collins, Colorado
Playing Career: 1978-present
Teams: North Dakota Wallbangers (1978-93), Denver Harlequins (1993-2006), TIRR (Houston) Hurricanes (1999), Team Denmark 2006 to present - and the Seattle Slam!
It's hard to imagine where Wheelchair Rugby would be if it weren't for the efforts of Brad Mikkelsen. After being introduced to the sport at an Athletics event in Marshall, MN 1977, by Canadian players, Brad bridged the development of the sport to the United States. As a true pioneer of the sport, Brad was the driving force in the formation of the United States Quad Rugby Association (USQRA.)
On a cold weekend Tournament in North Dakota, at the first National Tournament, Brad proposed naming the sport Quad Rugby. He liked the double meaning of quad for 4-on-4 play and quadriplegic. While Canada changed their name to Wheelchair Rugby, much of the World recognized the US's name, and even today it is referred to as Wheelchair Rugby or Quad Rugby.
Brad played wheelchair basketball and competed in track before he found rugby. Brad was the King of the Quad Rugby 1.0s, earning five Best of Class awards at National Championship Tournaments. He was the brain trust behind his North Dakota squad, keeping them in the association despite the isolation of North Dakota.
Brad was elected the USQRA's first Commissioner. He has always promoted the game and is called upon by many teams looking to advance their program. He is always available to the sport and was instrumental in the fast growth the sport enjoyed in the early- to mid-nineties. He set an example with the Grand Forks team by proving they could compete despite the low quad population and cold weather climate. His team was the first to utilize International players to supplement their program.
In a tournament game between Mikkelson's Wallbangers and Quadzilla in 1989, Brad shielded standout 3.5 Brian Hanson from a loose ball while one of Mikkelson's teammates came from clear across the court to pick up the ball. In response to heady plays like that Hanson said, "He's just one of the smartest players on the court - period!"
As a player he made the first National team that competed in the1990 Stoke Mandeville games, winning Gold. He would duplicate that feat in 1993. He also made the first World Championship team that won Gold in Notwil, Switzerland. In 1994 he relocated to Denver, Colorado and assisted in the formation of the Colorado Highlanders. He has played more seasons (and served on the USQRA board) longer than any other member of the United States Quad Rugby Association.
He has continued his role in developing the sport through clinics for athletes and coaches (over 50 to date) that help spawn new teams. Hall of Fame Coach Terry Vinyard explained "His assistance when we first began to play in Tampa was invaluable and inspired me to help develop other teams in the league down the road." His clinic in Seattle in October 2006 certainly was key in revitalizing the Seattle Slam.
Brad currently serves as President of The International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF), Chair of USQRA Hall of Fame, Member of USQRA Technical Committee and Member of USQRA Rules Committee. Additionally, Brad serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Colorado Sports for the Physically Challenged and as a Camp Counselor for youths with physical disabilities.
Over the past four decades, Brad Mikkelson's involvement and excellence in Quad Rugby is unparalleled. He has succeeded at the highest level in every way.
We welcome Brad Mikkelsen to the Seattle Slam!