Mike Chellsen (Business, ’88, No. 52 above left) and his son, David Chellsen (No. 79 above right), a third-year industrial engineering student, share a legacy as Mustang student-athletes — Mike on the basketball team from ‘84 to ‘87, and David on the football team since 2016.

“Being a student-athlete requires many sacrifices,” says David. “Whether that refers to the 30-plus hour weeks during the season, or the year-round training in the offseason, playing Division I football while attending a great university is a big commitment.”

Mike says that despite the challenges, the experience is a valuable one. “Playing college athletics teaches students many important lessons for life: time management, team work, dealing with adversity, how to work for a tough boss,” he says. “It was a great experience, especially when we were winning!”

Do you know an alumnus with a kid currently attending Cal Poly? Nominate them (or yourself!) for this section at magazine@calpoly.edu!