B
orn and raised in Cheatham County, Mike Glasgow participated in 4-H every school year he had the chance. From attending to competing in the public speaking project area, Glasgow did a little bit of everything. However, it’s the 4-H livestock program he credits for helping fund his college education.
“There was a two-sided program where you fed and fattened steers and sold them,” Glasgow says. “The proceeds would pay for the other, and one calf went to my college savings program. I left high school with a small herd of Angus cattle and sold those as needed for any additional college funds.”
Glasgow went to Vanderbilt University and Tennessee Tech University, where he studied engineering. And after having a career which took him away from Ashland City for several years, he eventually moved back in 2003. Nearly a decade after that, the door to an opportunity to give back to 4-H swung perfectly open.
“I was at an event and Cheatham County’s Extension agent, Sierra Knaus, mentioned the county was in need of a rifle coach,” Glasgow says. “Since I spent most of my 4-H camp years at the rifle range, my hand immediately shot up and I volunteered.”
You could say the rest is history. That was almost 10 years ago, and since, Glasgow has transformed the rifle program in the county and beyond. In addition to reactivating the county program, Glasgow also serves as a member of the state 4-H shooting sports committee.
“Shooting sports is one of the largest programs in Tennessee 4-H,” Glasgow explains. “We are teaching responsibility, self-discipline, physical and mental control, safety and much more. Precision shooting is an extremely disciplined program.”
Part of his role on the statewide committee is to train other coaches to be certified. As a level two certified coach, Glasgow helps train level one coaches. Not only has he helped train at least 300 level one coaches, he also has assisted Kentucky 4-H and reactivated their state program by training a group of their coaches.
“One of the most enjoyable parts of this role has been developing other coaches,” Glasgow says. “Plus, of course working with the kids. It’s great watching a kid grow and mature as they participate in this program.”
Another aspect of the program Glasgow has participated in six times is Shooting Sports Camp. He implemented and ran the rifle portion of those camps, which adds up to more than 500 kids he’s been able to influence.
Glasgow describes, “What we do at those camps is introduce them to archery, rifle, black powder, and outdoor hunting and sports skills. They learn a broad base in four days but get the chance to experience a unique camp.”
In recognition for his nine years of work as a dedicated 4-H volunteer, Glasgow was recently named the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer of the Year. He says, “It’s a great honor. I was definitely surprised when I found out, but extremely honored and appreciative.”
When talking about what it means to be a volunteer, he goes on to say, “It is hard work being a volunteer. A volunteer must totally fund their entire participation, which means you’re funding everything yourself. It just goes to show that it’s clear every volunteer in this program is a dedicated one. And for me, I feel like the past nine years have been more than worth it.”
At 77 years old, Glasgow is still actively involved in the program and looking forward to what’s to come. And to think, all it took was him raising his hand and saying yes to being a coach to some kids who needed him nine years ago.