Two-time wrestling state champion and Eagle Grove High School alumn Don Miller, a Vincent native and long time coach of the Fort Dodge Dodgers, was honored this past Saturday at the Cyclones’ game against the Cowboys at Hilton Coliseum.
The event, organized by ISU head coach Kevin Dresser (a Humboldt native), celebrated Miller's contributions to the sport of wrestling and his impact on the wrestling programs at Iowa State University and the University of Wyoming.
At 76, Miller maintains a deep connection to both teams. When asked about his attire for the event, Miller said "I’ve been asked what colors I’ll be wearing," Miller laughed. "My son (Mark) just got me a USA wrestling shirt for Christmas…I think this is the perfect time to stay 'neutral' and break that out."
Miller told the Fort Dodge Messenger he credits “the persistence" of (ex-Dodger) Dan Winninger, with getting him to go along with the event. Winninger " knows me from back in my Fort Dodge days" Miller said, adding that Winninger also has lived in Wyoming. “He called me and said Coach Dresser would like to bring me out before the meet. I laughed and said, ‘an old guy like me from over half a century ago?’ But he was insistent on making it happen, and Coach Dresser was kind enough to go along with the idea."
Miller said he was going to attend the game anyhow, but, "to tell you the truth, I’m not big on attention like this — especially at my age. But it’s flattering they’d think of me. Dan and Coach Dresser were very thoughtful about it. I love Iowa State and I love Wyoming.”
Miller had many accomplishments as a Cowboy. He is a three-time Western Athletic Conference gold medalist, an All-American who placed sixth nationally in 1967, and an undefeated standout during his senior year in 1968.
He also obtained his Master’s degree from Iowa State in 1978 and has been an avid supporter of Cyclone athletics throughout his life, spending nearly two decades serving as an NCAA wrestling referee for dual meets, primarily in Ames.
Miller has been inducted into multiple Hall of Fames including the Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015, the FDSH Hall of Fame, the IHSAA Hall of Fame, and the National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. In 2017, Miller and Marv Reiland received the “Bill Nelson” award from the IWCOA. Miller, Reiland, and Nelson were all Eagle Grove alumni, and exceptional Eagle Grove athletes.
“The Vincent, Eagle Grove and Fort Dodge communities have all been such integral parts of my life,” Miller said. “I take a great deal of pride in where I come from and the success of the area to this day."
Miller is known for keeping close tabs on the athletes and programs in the area, and was a wealth of information when it came to wrestling, athletics, and much more.
“I love it all," Miller expounded. "It’s still fun to follow the young men through their high school journeys and at the next level to this day. There’s something about the lessons learned through wrestling that is timeless. Kids learn about themselves, grow up and get better…not just as athletes, but as people. I’m honored to say I’ve been a part of it.”
On Saturday, the spotlight was on Miller as he was honored for his contributions to the sport of wrestling and the communities he had touched through his work.
Not many athletes in Eagle Grove history can match the accomplishments of Don Miller. He stands out as a particularly dedicated advocate for the sport of wrestling in north-central Iowa.
Miller and his wife, fellow Eagle Grove alum Bonnie (Umstead) Miller, have made this region their home and have been fiercely loyal to it over many years.
