Hall of Fame

Michael Ratliff

Michael D. Ratliff

  • Class
  • Induction
    2022
  • Sport(s)
    UW-Eau Claire
Induction Video

(Written: July 2022)

Michael D. Ratliff was a member of UW-Eau Claire’s men’s basketball team from 1969-72 and is the only individual in conference history to earn Player of the Year honors three times, receiving the distinction in 1970, 1971 and 1972. He was an all-conference honorable mention selection in 1969.

Ratliff started 108 consecutive games and scored 1,994 points with 1,492 rebounds and 274 blocked shots to help the Blugolds post a 94-14 record with three conference titles during his four years. His rebound total still tops the conference career list, while his 737 free throws attempted are second. The blocked shots rank third and the points ninth.

In 1972, UW-Eau Claire finished as the NAIA national runner-up and Ratliff received All-America First Team recognition from Associated Press, United Press International, NAIA and the Basketball Coaches Association. He was selected in the second round (28th overall) by the Kansas City-Omaha Kings in the 1972 National Basketball Association Draft and played in 60 games.

In 1982, Ratliff was inducted into the UW-Eau Claire Hall of Fame. In 2012, he was selected to the WIAC Men’s Basketball All-Time Team in conjunction with the conference’s Centennial Celebration.

Ratliff passed away in June 2019.