Al Miller says he owes his decision to pursue a career in athletics to his coach at Bel

Air High School, Al Cesky. In the late 1940's, Coach Cesky saw Al playing ball on a

sandlot in the Kingsville area, and talked him into trying out for the football team.

Over 50 years later we honor Al Miller as coach. Al was a three sport standout at Bel

Air High, before taking his talents to Western Maryland College, where he was a 4

year starter on the baseball and football teams. A life long student, Al earned his

Masters Degree, in 1961.

“*Coach Miller" began his career in Baltimore County in 1958, as basketball coach at

Dundalk High School. Apparently basketball was not to his liking. After one year,

he traded the round ball for wrestling shoes, a move that lasted the better part of 36

years. Al started fast, developing a championship squad in only his second year. Al

transferred to Perry Hall High in 1966, where he served as Football Coach, Wrestling Coach

and Athletic Director until his retirement in 1998.

During his 40 year coaching and teaching career, Al has been honored with

numerous awards. He was Baltimore County Wrestling Coach of the Year 4 times

and Baltimore County Football Coach of the Year 3 times. In 1998, Al was honored

as the first inductee into the Perry Hall Sports Hall of Fame. In 2002, the Maryland

State Athletics Directors Association inducted Al into their Hall-of-Fame.

As a coach, teacher and mentor, there have been many notable athletes that

benefited from Coach Miller's knowledge and leadership. To name a few, National

Wresting Hall of Fame referee, Tom Gaylin; the Director of Baltimore County

Recreation and Parks, John Weber; several coaches and athletic directors, and Ricky

Baughman, 3-time Maryland State Wrestling Tournament finalist and 1980 State

Champion.

“*The true rewards of my career do not lie in the win/loss records or the awards that I

have received, but in the knowledge that in some small way I have played a part in

the success of my student athletes. - Al Miller