Edward R. Vandervoort Memorial Award

Michael Quentin Garland was born on May 31, 1954 and grew up in Willow Run, a township east of Ypsilanti that was formerly known as Air Force Plant 31. The area was named this because of its original purpose as a bomber plant during WWII. It has been labeled a tough place -- a segregated community -- long before the civil rights movement mixed peoples of different cultures and backgrounds. Mike grew up there with his large family but without a father. Because of this, he learned early on how to deal with tough situations, how to avoid certain ones and how to become a man at a very young age. 

It’s crazy to imagine that in 1973, Mike’s college career would take him to Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula – crazy simply because, at that time, the U.P. was not necessarily considered a preferred destination for Afro-American athletes from the Detroit area. Clearly, Coach Glenn Brown at Northern Michigan U. saw something in Mike.  He had a good eye!

Fast forward to 1996 when Mike arrived in East Lansing to work alongside fellow college teammate and close friend Tom Izzo. Other than for 4 years when he served as head men’s basketball coach at Cleveland State, and then as an assistant at SMU, we have been extremely fortunate to have Mike and Cynthia name the Lansing area “home”.

Mike eventually met his father, Quentin Garland, but the man was never really a part of his life. Shortly after the senior Garland died, Mike vowed to be someone who would be there for others in need. Looking back nearly 40 years, Mike has served as a father-figure, confidante, counselor and friend to countless dozens of recruits, players and young people who have needed a listening ear.  Former player Cassius Winston was one who leaned heavily on Mike after his younger brother died. 

During his combined 22 years at MSU, Mike wore many hats including one that had little to do with X’s and 0’s. He was the team “storyteller”, which had a huge impact on those who listened. Josh Langford once cited that “Coach Garland has so much experience in all phases of life and his stories always have a meaning to them.” His former players have used the words inspiring, authentic, real, coach, mentor, counselor, teacher, leader, irreplaceable, and “OG” to describe him.

Three children and eight grandchildren later, it is clear that Mike has kept the vow that he made as a young man growing up in the Detroit area.

The MSU Downtown Coaches Club IS the official Booster Club of the Spartan Football program, however, we know real warriors and champions when we see them. Mike is both and we are proud to present him with the 2022 Edward R. Vandervoort Memorial Award!