United States Merchant Marine Academy

Mike Toop ’77 was a four-year letter winner in football at Kings Point as a middle linebacker. He captained the 1976 Mariner squad to an 8-1 overall record and the team was ranked as high as fifth in the national polls. He was the Defensive MVP for a defense that allowed only 8.6 points per game and only 1.8 yards per rushing attempt. His last three seasons the team had the best record in Academy history, 21-6. After his senior campaign, Toop earned All-Metropolitan Conference, Honorable Mention All-ECAC and All-American honors. He was invited to participate in the 1976 Blue-Gray Football Classic and Senior Bowl “All-Star Games.” He was offered free agent contracts with two NFL teams. Toop also played basketball, baseball and rugby during his career.