I first met George(Mickey) during our senior year in high school at a Basketball tournement in 1963. I was immediately impressed with his physical presence especially after having heard of his prolific prowess on the football field. We talked for a while and it became quite clear to me this was a person of tremendous pride, dignity, and character. Extremely confident and humble at the same time. Then I watched him in a basketball game during the tournament and realized he was the real thing athletically.
We saw each other again the same year during track season (yes, he was an all around natural and gifted athelete). We discussed our various college recruiting trips at that time. He had decided to go to Michigan State University. He recruited me, and I was quite willing to follow him. In that short period of time we began our life long friendship. I saw within him his desire and want to go all the way.
His tenure at MSU as a football athlete speaks for itself. To me, he represents what the true spirit of being a Spartan is all about without doubt, he was the best I played with and/or against.
We were roommates before each home and away game during the football seasons. This is where I found out about his dedication and commitment to excellence. He watched game films over and over until well into the night to prepare himself. There was no stopping his focus. So, since I couldn't beat him, I ended up joining him.
Education was a "given" for most all of the guys of that era, but it was even more so for the Black athletes from the South. It was stressed by our families, friends, high schools and communities that we represented much more than ourselves. It was expected that our success would be a powerful and uplifting tool for people all over, and especially Black Americans from the South. Failure was not an option.
"Mickey" was acutely aware of this and was a consummate student/athelete while at MSU. And, to the very end of his life, he truly bled "green and white" blood. A warrior is a fighter which "Mickey" was and he embodied that as well as the true Spartan Spirit of "No Retreat---No Surrender". George Webster was the Ultimate Spartan.
Jim Summers
Defensive Back
1963-1966
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