Mike Mann
Posted by Luke Archer on 1 January 2023
It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Mike Mann on Boxing Day, aged 89, President of Old Wulfrunians Hockey Club.
Mike, a former pupil at WGS, was at the forefront of OWHC from the early 1950’s. He fulfilled various roles within the club with great foresight and distinction, being Chairman, 1st XI captain, Hon. Secretary and latterly President.
Mike was a left hander but always played hockey right-handed so he was always strong on his reverse stick side. He was a tenacious left half, inside left and occasionally centre half. During Mike’s play career he was captain of OWHC when league hockey started in 1975/76. He was the prime mover in starting the first indoor hockey tournament in Staffordshire and Shropshire at Compton Park.
Mike used his civil engineering skills to repurpose the land at Castlecroft so that we could play hockey on the cricket outfield. In addition, he organised all four trips to the Barbados International hockey tournament and one in Hong Kong/ Malaysia/ Maldives. Furthermore, he started the OWHC veterans team playing on Sunday mornings and was a member of ‘The Hangmen’ and ‘LX’ veterans hockey clubs.
Mike played in the inaugural England O70’s team that won gold in the European Championships against The Netherlands. In more recent years, Mike’s commitment was next to none with him volunteering to play in goal for the 4th team, at the age of 86, and becoming the club’s oldest goal scorer at the age of 84!
We all remember his kind words when presenting the annual Presidents Rose Bowl award to the club member who he considered had done most for the club. A lovely man, a true gentleman and we shall all miss his wise council and encouragement . Thank you Mike for everything you did for OWHC.
Finally, as a club, we send our deepest condolences to Angela and all of Mike’s close family especially Russell at this sad time.
