Michael Powell, a graduate of West Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia was a four-year standout on the basketball floor.
Powell was one of the most athletic guards of all-time, and did everything well. He scored 1,002 career points (11th), passed out 395 assists (2nd), and made 398 field goals (11th). In three of his four seasons he led the team to the NAIA District 18 Playoffs and to 55 wins during the 1978-81 seasons under head coach Jim Sims.In the 1979-80 season, Powell made 23 consecutive free-throws. Powell was integral in the Behrend Lions' "Big 5" Championship in 1981. For his efforts he was named theBig 5 Player of the Year while averaging 15.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 4.8 apg. He went on to play professionally in South America.
Powell graduated from Penn State Behrend in 1982. Powell is married, has two daughters and is the Director of Youth Sports Ministry in Philadelphia.