Michael Strassman, a resident of Wisconsin, has a bit of a unique story on how he got involved in archery.
“I used to ski jump,” Mike explains, “but the landings were a little hard and large people don’t fly very well. So, our neighbor was into archery and I just started shooting with him. I’ve been at it ever since!”
“My neighbor has obviously had a large influence on my archery career,” he continues. “He got me started on it and took me on my first deer hunt. Later on, however, a man named Shorty Mueller helped me out a great deal and saved me from quitting archery. Lastly, George Woodington, who has since passed away, helped me with the finer points and was very willing to help me at any time. Those three guys have had the biggest influence on my shooting.”
When he was younger, Mike “thrived on the competition part of archery” and was usually in the top 5 or 6. “My most memorable moment would be in 2002 when I won the Senior Championship in Las Vegas.” As he has become older and less competitive than he used to be, he now more-so enjoys seeing old friends made throughout the years. Now he thrives on helping both new and old archers become better.
“You need to get properly set up with the right equipment,” he says. “I have seen many people be sold equipment that’s not the right fit for them, whether it be improper draw length or poundage, and then they also receive no proper instruction. They get discouraged and quit. So get set up right, and get a good coach!”
When not shooting, Mike hunts, fishes, and is the state director for the NFAA. He is very involved in coaching and, aside from the NFAA, does sessions with 4 H clubs.
Mike shoots the Conquest Apex 7, the Conquest Triumph, the Apex, and the Drenalin. His favorite hunt is both Whitetail deer and Elk.
Mike Strassman’s personal testimony regarding Mathews bows and Zebra strings:
“Mathews archery equipment has never failed me, and everyone at Mathews has been great to work with, answering any questions I ever have. Their Zebra bowstrings have been very good to me and have never failed me. I’ve only had to replace them from normal wear and tear, and the new ones are always shipped promptly!”
