-Submitted photo
Bonne and Don Miller are the grand marshals for the parade, which will be 10 a.m. on June 2 along Central Avenue.

Retired Fort Dodge administrators Don and Bonnie Miller will be honored before the start of the Fort Dodge Invitational on Friday at the Country Club.

Miller, who is an Eagle Grove native, was the Fort Dodge head wrestling coach and Athletic Director for 31 years.

“I feel humbled to take an honorary tee shot to begin the tournament,” Miller said. “Fort Dodge athletics has directed my life for years.”

Don was involved with FDSH as a teacher, coach and athletic director for over three decades. He coached football, wrestling and golf. He was also an Assistant Principal and retired in 2002.

While coaching the wrestling team, Miller led the Dodgers to two state championships and two state runner up performances. Six individuals won state titles and 11 were runner ups under Miller. While wrestling coach, he was coach of the year twice.

“Having the opportunity to teach, coach and be the Director of Athletics has become a way of life for me and a true privilege,” Miller said. “The term ‘Once a Dodger, always a Dodger’ is so very true. There is a pride running through every athlete who has ever worn and played for the Dodgers that is stronger today than ever.

“I’ve always felt Fort Dodge activities provide an outlet to achieve success.”

Miller was the Dodger golf coach for five seasons and winning a conference title.

Miller coached with Fort Dodge players like Tim Joselyn, Dr. Bill Huseman, Bill Stephenson and Dean Wendell along with other.

“Their teams always averaged around 75 or 150 as a team,” Miller said. “They played every day all summer and got tons of help from the Club pro, like Bill Hird and golfers like Phil Joselyn and Dutch Huseman, who were outstanding players.”

He is in the IHSAA Hall of Fame, along with the national wrestling coaches Hall of Fame, the University of Wyoming Hall of Fame and the Fort Dodge Hall of Fame.

Don was also the Central Iowa assistant principal of the year to go along with the Central Iowa Athletic Director of the Year and the Iowa Athletic Director of the Year.

Don was a four-time letterwinner for Wyoming and was also a three-time Western Athletic Conference champion and an NCAA All-American.

“From coach Fred N. Cooper to today’s athletes like senior Drake Miller and fellow athletes at Fort Dodge will always carry a special place in their heart,” Miller said. “All I can truly say is thanks for letting me be a small part of it.”

Bonnie served the district as a teacher and administrator for 34 years. She has also been an avid golfer since 1985.