Mick Hergert
Michael (known as "Mick" or "Mickey") Dennis Hergert was born in Portland, Oregon, the son of Elias Hergert (born 1910) and Lydia Kindsvater (born 1914). Mick's grandparents, Elias and Maria Elisabeth Hergert, immigrated to the United States from Brunnental, Russia, in 1907. Elias Hergert served as pastor of the St. Pauls Evangelical and Reformed Church, founded by his brother, Jacob Hergert.
Mick was an outstanding athlete at Jefferson High School (class of 1959). He played on two of the best Oregon high school football teams. The 1958 and 1959 Jefferson Democrats captured two consecutive state titles. Future Oregon State University quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Terry Baker, along with future NFL Hall of Fame member Mel Renfro, were teammates.
Mick was an outstanding athlete at Jefferson High School (class of 1959). He played on two of the best Oregon high school football teams. The 1958 and 1959 Jefferson Democrats captured two consecutive state titles. Future Oregon State University quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Terry Baker, along with future NFL Hall of Fame member Mel Renfro, were teammates.
Mickey Hergert in uniform for the Jefferson Democrats. Source: Jefferson High School yearbook.
Mick also played basketball for the Democrats along with Baker, who went on to play point guard at Oregon State.
Jefferson High School basketball team photo showing Terry Baker (number 50) and Mick Hergert (number 34). Source: Jefferson High School yearbook.
In the springtime, Mick was a member of the Jefferson baseball team. They earned a state championship title, and he was selected to the all-state squad. Mick's brother, Ron Hergert, was also a member of the team and an outstanding athlete in his own right.
The 1959 Jefferson baseball team including Mick and Ron Hergert. Source: 1959 Jefferson High School yearbook.
Mick graduated from Jefferson and played for Lewis & Clark College. He was an All-American running back, selected 1st team under the Williamson System, and 2nd team NAIA as a senior. He was a four-time all-Northwest Conference selection and came within 107 yards of setting the national career rushing record with 3,836 yards. Mick set NWC and Lewis & Clark rushing and scoring records, averaging 106.5 yards per game and 6.1 yards per carry for 36 games. He scored 296 career points, including 102 in 8 games as a senior. Mick was a four-year letterman in baseball, earning all-NWC infielder honors three times. He lettered one year in basketball.
After graduation, Mick coached baseball at Lewis & Clark College for 12 years and officiated basketball games for 39 years.
Mick was inducted into the Lewis & Clark College Sports Hall of Fame in 1979. He was also inducted into the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) Hall of Fame in 2005.
Mick's daughter, Courtney, is a talented musician performing under the stage name of Courtney Spears.
Mick's uncles, Solly Hergert, and Jake Hergert, were also outstanding local athletes.
After graduation, Mick coached baseball at Lewis & Clark College for 12 years and officiated basketball games for 39 years.
Mick was inducted into the Lewis & Clark College Sports Hall of Fame in 1979. He was also inducted into the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) Hall of Fame in 2005.
Mick's daughter, Courtney, is a talented musician performing under the stage name of Courtney Spears.
Mick's uncles, Solly Hergert, and Jake Hergert, were also outstanding local athletes.
Sources
Rohlffs, Tom. Author, OSAA Basketball Historian, former Hillsboro High School basketball and baseball coach.
Lewis & Clark College Hall of Fame
Portland Interscholastic League Hall of Fame
Lewis & Clark College Hall of Fame
Portland Interscholastic League Hall of Fame
Last updated October 22, 2023