Former Cal Poly Basketball Standout Mike LaRoche Passes
8/25/2020 3:17:00 PM | Men's Basketball
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SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Mike LaRoche, a forward and guard on Cal Poly's men's basketball team in the 1960s and a member of the Cal Poly Athletics Hall of Fame, passed away on July 30, 2020, at his home in Granite Bay, Calif.
William Michael LaRoche was 74.
Mike LaRoche (left) and Hank Moroski.
LaRoche was a three-time All-California Collegiate Athletic Association player known for his great shooting and scoring ability. He finished sixth in scoring as a sophomore in 1965-66, first as a junior in 1966-67 and second as a senior in 1967-68 in the CCAA.
In addition, LaRoche was named to the All-West Coast team following both the 1966-67 and 1967-68 seasons. He held several Cal Poly records at the time, including highest scoring average in one season (23.9 points in 1966-67 season), 1,500 points scored in a three-year career (70 games), 21.4 scoring average in a three-year career and 571 field goal made and 358 free throws made in a career.
Currently, LaRoche is fourth in career points (1,500), 13th in career rebounds (505) and third in career field goals made (571). For a single season, he is fourth in scoring (550 points), fifth in field goals made (214) and fourth in free throws made (143).
LaRoche twice attempted 30 field goals in a game, which remains as the school record.
After his playing days at Cal Poly, LaRoche signed a professional basketball contract and played briefly with the Los Angeles Stars of the American Basketball Association. After returning to Cal Poly to finish his studies, he graduated in 1969 with a degree in business administration. He attended the McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific from 1969 to 1975, where he received his law degree.
Gallery: (8-17-2020) Mike LaRoche Gallery
LaRoche was inducted into Cal Poly's Hall of Fame in 1991, and his No. 40 Mustangs jersey was retired in 1993 and hangs on the walls of the Mott Athletics Center today.
LaRoche became a sole practitioner in workers' compensation until his partnership with Attorney Christy Mallory in January 2017. His passion for basketball kept him playing in senior state, national, and international tournaments, claiming two national championships. In the last few years, LaRoche's newest interest was vegetable gardening.
LaRoche is survived by his wife Lynn, daughter Lindy and son-in-law Sam, grandson Brody, son Jeffrey and daughter Stacy. A graveside service was held August 20, 2020,
