[8][9] Notably, he coached American weightlifter Mario Martinez, who won a silver medal in the super-heavyweight division at the 1984 Olympics.

After graduating high school, he joined the San Francisco State football team as a linebacker.

[21] While an athlete at San Francisco State, Schmitz continued weightlifting in the university's weight room.

[21] Schmitz eventually became captain of the San Francisco State football team in 1967, and graduated with a degree in physical education in 1968.

[5] In 1984, Schmitz served as the Competition Director for Weightlifting at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.