Verl Miller has enjoyed a successful career both as a wrestler and as a coach. He was a State Champion in his senior season at 141 pounds. In 1964, he was named outstanding wrestler at Oregon Technical Institute. Miller then moved on to Brigham Young University where he finished third in the WAC Championships in 1965 and 1966.

Miller spent two years apiece coaching at Desert high school in California and Wahtonka high school. From there, he moved on to La Grande high school where he served as head coach for 24 years. He compiled a dual meet record of 361-4-11, produced 14 District champions, and captured state titles in 1978 and 1996. In addition, Miller coach 17 individual state champions and 82 district champions. He was named AAAA coach of the year in 1978, 1994, and 1996.

Verl Miller’s impact on the youth of America through the sport of wrestling is immeasurable. For those accomplishments and more, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Oregon Chapter, honors Miller with the “Lifetime Service to Wrestling” award, class of 1999.

• Coached 28 years