Carroll College Athletics

A Glasgow native, Mike Estenson arrived on the Hilltop in the fall of 1959 via Columbia Falls and Great Falls Central Highs, having been an All-State lineman for the Mustangs. At 5’10” 175 lbs., he started each of his first three years for the Saints and was selected an All-American as a junior, before a tragic auto accident took his life. As a sophomore, Mike was mentioned for his standout defense in the win over Rocky Mountain College. The 1961 season saw Estenson’s name almost weekly in the newspaper for his defensive exploits at middle linebacker. 

A of couple highlights were the 19-7 win over Rocky, and the 39-0 shutout over Northern Montana, when he “keyed a Saints defense” that limited the Lights to 98 total yards and 6 first downs. Mike was selected first team All-MCC, and second team Small Catholic College All-American. The summer before his senior year, Mike was killed in a car wreck in Morocco. That football season, the Saints established the annual Mike Estenson Award for their Outstanding Player. “Mike Estenson is the greatest defensive man I’ve ever coached,” coach Jack Hunthausen said.