It Happened In Crawford County

The magic words "principal, football and coaching" placed Don Miller in his first job. He grew up in Tiffin, the son of Albert, who died when Don was 12. He was greatly influenced by his mother who graduated as a teacher from State Normal before Bowling Green was a University. She taught in a one room school and Tiffin City Schools. Don played major sports including the freshman football team at BGSU. Mom would sit out in all kinds of weather, including snow, by herself, because "sonny" Don was playing. He treasures the diary she wrote about how he played, and how to get better. No matter what, Mom was there until her death when he was 25 leaving him to care for himself. He treasured her love of teaching and went to Columbian in Tiffin, later graduating BGSU with bachelor's master's and post master's work in school administration. He taught five years at Fostoria and then back to BGSU adding to his principal's certificate, he received his superintendent certificate.

His first job as principal was at Martel, but at first, he couldn't find the place. When he did arrive, he was driving his first original 1965 poppy red/orange fastback Mustang. Two ladies, looking like "The Chamber of Commerce," told him he would love it there and he did. Don stayed three years and was also assistant football coach. The kids were underprivileged and Don started physical fitness programs using bamboo rods to do Kenickling. He added Track and Field Day, long jump, races and, at the end of the day, 140 kids got a ribbon. The father of one child was a chaplain at the Marion Correctional, and Don arranged for the kids to give plays for the inmates. Fall came, and time for his fourth year, River Valley School was new, and he was to be junior high principal. Instead, he got a call from Wynford School, Supt. Donnenwirth telling him to be there right away. Twenty minutes later, he was hired as the principal of four elementary schools, Nevada, Lykens, Holmes Liberty and Mt. Zion and as the football coach.

Don faced a summer of struggles, scheduling classes, teachers and master scheduling, which were all new to him. His fears about the first day and how it would go were unfounded — it went smoothly, then, and continued on for 19 more years. He wanted to emphasize girls athletics; they had a few games but nobody watched them. "Mr. Determination," Don, found a plan thru Jostens School Supply, the Mark Program. Each class, nominated 12 kids to design a crest for their class and Jostens framed them and they hung in the cafeteria. Don devised 20 activities to achieve points, attendance, best and combined point average, and he started counting the attendance at girls and boys events. This very successful system caused Wynford to have the best following of students in the area because they all wanted points for their class. The Salvation Army put barrels in schools, some schools filled one, but Wynford filled eight. Each class manned its own barrel and it counted for the point system, a fine example of students helping others.

Recurring words in this story are "I enjoyed the kids" doing things for them, loved football and coaching, Don started the senior class tradition "This is your year, enjoy it." Whenever there was a school program starting with the freshman, on up, when seniors came in they were to stand for respect. Lower classmen had to earn to be leaders and grumbled at first about standing up for a senior but that is what they did. The seniors always filed in last and were acknowledged. But, it is Don who stands up in appreciation for the parents and the students in the community, outstanding booster groups, and wonderful folks to work with. From the wide range of skills, the high paid to those who struggle financially, they will still do anything to further the school. Wynford was built in 1963 adding the newer grade school. Don spent 46 years with the school district, 26 years since retirement.

He was very fortunate to have the wonderful students and placed nine in the academies in the U.S. Air Force, Annapolis and West Point. Don visited all three of them and spent two nights in the barracks/dorms with the cadets during meals and classes. Out of all the experiences, the most outstanding for Don, was the opportunity to into the chapel at the Air Force Academy the awesome acoustics system, if ever music came from heaven this was the best. The Naval Academy and being on the aircraft carrier was a tremendous experience, too. The recruitment officer came each year with the question, "Who do you have for us this year?" Don is happiest when he meets a former student, from every walk of life, they are very important to him. He is also involved with the Crawford County Sports Hall of Fame, of which he is president. They held the sixth banquet in April, bringing in six new individual members and one new team. Don's wife, Jeanne, now deceased, was from Toledo, a graduate of Ohio University and was a speech therapist; son Donald Ray PGA professional. His daughter Jodi is a supervisor for Job and Family Services in Crawford County, long hours and very demanding. "Grandpa Don" enjoys spending time with grandchildren, Justin, seventh grade, and Elizabeth, fifth at Wynford School.

Don Miller can be contacted at wyndon4@gmail.com

Readers if you are interested in genealogy or sharing a story email or write Crawford County Genealogy Society, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820 Mary Fox email Littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com.