Mike Denimarck was one of the fiercest football players ever to wear an Emporia State University uniform.  He was a three-year letterman in football from 1971-73.  The linebacker was named captain of the 1972 and 1973 teams and  earned all-Conference honors in 1971-73.  He also was named all-District 10 in 1972 and 1973.  He was selected as an Honorable mention all-American in 1972 and was a first-team all-American in 1973.  He led ESU in tackles in 1972 and 1973.  Denimarck was instrumental in leading the Hornets to their first-ever bowl appearance in 1972 as ESU played in the Boot Hill Bowl in Dodge City.