“It was definitely different,” Michael recalled. “There weren’t a lot of kids here, so it was lonely when we first arrived.

Although he thought the house was huge when he first arrived, it soon became home with some differences.

“Everyone knew who you were, it was more of a spotlight,” Michael said. “Not having anonymity was hard. It felt like you were on public display sometimes. There was a lack of privacy, although mom was good about keeping the second floor private.”

Michael and his friends quickly adapted and made the Martin House their headquarters. Val reports for a time the dining room was turned over to an on-going game of Dungeons and Dragons.

When college time came, Michael chose Millersville. He was there two years before succumbing to a bout with mono. He admits he was in trouble academically, not understanding the commitment it took for both school and football. Val knew something wasn’t right and was happy when Michael returned home where she could keep a watchful eye on him.

Michael found his stride after his return to Ship. His dad remembers Michael’s announcement of his spring break plans senior year. “I was expecting him to say he was going south with his friends. He told me he was going to visit seven graduate schools and meet with faculty in the field of exercise science and kinesiology. That just bowled me over. I was actually awestruck for several days after that.”

With a bachelor’s degree in biology with a coaching minor, his master’s was a stepping stone for his doctorate and post-doctoral work in kinesiology. Currently, Michael is responsible for the analytical science laboratory at Mead Johnson & Company, a nutritional products subsidiary of the pharmaceutical manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb. Besides developing strategic plans for innovations in infant and children’s nutritional products on a global scale, his job also considers pre-natal supplements for mothers.

“I like my job but there are days when I just don’t know if it is my life’s passion. I can’t say that about my father. He loves his work and loves it as much today as he ever did. I cannot remember a time he did not want to go to work. Clearly he found his passion.”

Like his father, Michael has high regard for his Shippensburg experience. “I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he said. “I’ve definitely benefited.”

With his parents’ retirement, Michael is a little concerned about his dad. “He needs to find a hobby—something to absorb his passion,” he said.

Michael lives with his wife Lisa and their two sons, three-year-old Mark, and baby Luke, in Newburgh, Indiana. The family enjoys returning to Shippensburg to reconnect with family and friends.