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Danny Miles: Herald and News 2007 Person of the Year
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| H&N photo by Todd E. Swenson Oregon Institute of Technology basketball coach Danny Miles is the Herald and News’ selection for 2007 Person of the Year. |
January 2, 2007
It's sometimes said in the sports world
that nice guys finish last. First uttered by a feisty major league baseball manager, the belief persists that only the most aggressive - those with an almost abrasive drive - will make it to the top.
Oregon Institute of Technology basketball coach Danny Miles is a pleasant exception.
People who know the diminutive hoops mentor are lavish with praise, saying his contributions to the community go far beyond the playing floor.
That's why the Herald and News has chosen Miles as Person of the Year for 2007.
“I can't think of anyone who is more deserving,” OIT sports information director Bobby Thompson said. “He's a great basketball coach, but he is an even better person.”
Assistant basketball coach Mike Pisan said Miles is a sought-after speaker before youth groups. That includes talking to eighth-graders who annually visit the OIT campus to get a taste of college life.
“Everybody wants his endorsement,” Pisan said. “He's the kind of guy who could probably run for state Legislature, and it wouldn't matter which party he represented. He'd be electable.
“He never says ‘no.' If someone wants him to do something, he'll do what he can to assist.”
Pisan mentioned Miles once helping a Lakeview athlete secure a football scholarship at Eastern Oregon University. The boy's family wrote a letter thanking Miles for his assistance, although his efforts had no benefit for OIT.
Helping others
Herald and News sports editor Steve Matthies has covered Miles' teams for many years. He recalled a similar incident in which the coach helped a student-athlete find a niche at another school.
Max Gotzler, raised near Munich, was a 4.0 student at OIT despite English being his second language. Gotzler wanted to pursue academic avenues not available at OIT, and Miles went to bat for him.
“Max eventually settled on Boston College and Miles spent considerable time talking with the basketball coach there to give Gotzler a chance to play,” Matthies said. “The Boston College coach told Gotzler he was amazed another coach would do so much to help a player transfer from his program to another.”
Matthies said it shows why Miles is successful as a coach and as a human being.
“Miles is so down-to-earth, humble and honest that I get spoiled and almost take him for granted, but that is the kind of person he is,” Matthies said.
In fact, Miles downplayed his selection as Person of the Year. When told he had been chosen, he replied: “There are many more deserving people.”
Valuable in OIT transition
OIT president Martha Anne Dow is one of Miles' biggest fans.
“He is an absolute icon at OIT, there's no question. I could walk out the door tomorrow and nobody would notice, but if Danny did that, there'd be chaos,” she joked.
Dow said Miles' experience at the university, and his sense of humor, was important when the school had to eliminate some sports in the wake of Measure 5, including the football program.
“OIT's been through stressful times while he's been here,” Dow said. “He was a trooper in helping us get through that, and managing personnel issues. He's helped me reconstruct some programs during the past few years that we had to downsize.”
Miles helped the transition in the early 1990s as OIT restarted its baseball program, and its women's volleyball and basketball teams while adding soccer.
“He showed his prowess with budget management,” Dow said of Miles, who took the athletic director's position for a while in addition to coaching. “Athletic programs are important to a university. His advice in rebuilding was invaluable.” She calls him a connector. “He definitely connects OIT with the community.”
Sports background
Sports were important in young Miles' Medford home. His father was a professional baseball player, and competed against Olympic champion Jim Thorpe.
Miles played football, basketball and baseball in high school and at Southern Oregon University. He completed 76.9 percent of his passes during the 1965 season at SOU, which remains a national record.
Miles' most recent accomplishment was notching his 800th career basketball victory earlier this season. He became just the 10th men's basketball coach at a four-year school to accomplish the feat.
Still, people say it isn't the win-loss record that sets Miles apart.
Tim Stanaway, former OIT dean of students, said Miles has always thought of others.
For year's he's provided local high school basketball players and Crystal Terrace residents with tickets to Hustlin' Owls games. Crystal Terrace activities director Pete Ward said the tickets are coveted.
“They provide chairs in the corner of the gym, right on the floor,” he said. “They're fantastic seats for us.”
Howard Morris, former OIT athletic director and coach, noted the close relationship between Klamath Falls and OIT's basketball program.
“We're small and isolated,” he said. “OIT basketball is something the community can hang its hat on and support. Anything Dan has touched has been a winner. He's a winner.” Morris noted Miles' 36 years as head basketball coach. The tenure is rare in a transient profession.
“Not too many places have that,” Morris said. “Dan's relationship with his kids is an outstanding one.”
Friend of Special Olympics
One of the beneficiaries of Miles' attention is the local Special Olympics program. The OIT basketball team plays a game each year against the Special Olympians, which is always a high point for the youngsters.
The games have been held for 20 years, and the Olympians have never lost. They sport a perfect 20-0 record against Miles' men.
“He has a special place in his heart for people with special needs,” assistant coach Pisan said.
However, Miles knows how to buckle down with his varsity athletes when needed. Star guard Levell Hesia said the coach doesn't have to raise his voice to get players' attention.
“He's stern,” he said. “He'll look right at you and get the point across. He's direct.”
Hesia added: “He taught me how to do things right, not only on court, but off the court.”
Miles' wife of 19 years, Judie, said her husband used to let the outcome of games affect his mood at home, although that's changed over time.
“He handles things differently from when we were first married,” Judie said. “A seasoned coach looks at things differently than a young coach just trying to prove himself.
“He takes losses to heart, but if he knows his team has done its best he doesn't worry about it. Now God and family come first, before the career. That didn't always take place with him, but it does now.”
Surprisingly, Miles sleeps better after a loss than after a victory.
“It seems to be a natural protective mechanism,” Judie said. “When he's winning, he doesn't sleep well because he's doing all these things in his head, little changes in strategy to make things better.”
She calls his OIT record “an amazing journey,” and expressed thanks for everyone's support.
‘A good man first'
“We have wonderful friends,” Judie said. “We are so planted here with our family, friends and community we wouldn't even think of leaving.
“We have to remember he's a good man first, before he's a basketball coach. That's more important to me than his basketball success. We both walk with the Lord, and that makes a huge difference with everything.” The former teacher said they've remained young at heart by being around young people.
No retirement in sight
Miles, 61, is in good health and has no thoughts of retirement. Besides coaching OIT, he directs summer basketball camps for youths, estimating 13,000 campers have gone through his program.
“I just love practices,” he said. “I've been excited to come to work for 36 years.”
He grinned when told what his wife said about not sleeping after victories.
“We've been winning a lot, so I haven't been sleeping much,” he acknowledged.
It's something the coach is happy to live with.
- STEVE KADEL
It's sometimes said in the sports world
that nice guys finish last. First uttered by a feisty major league baseball manager, the belief persists that only the most aggressive - those with an almost abrasive drive - will make it to the top.
Oregon Institute of Technology basketball coach Danny Miles is a pleasant exception.
People who know the diminutive hoops mentor are lavish with praise, saying his contributions to the community go far beyond the playing floor.
That's why the Herald and News has chosen Miles as Person of the Year for 2007.
“I can't think of anyone who is more deserving,” OIT sports information director Bobby Thompson said. “He's a great basketball coach, but he is an even better person.”
Assistant basketball coach Mike Pisan said Miles is a sought-after speaker before youth groups. That includes talking to eighth-graders who annually visit the OIT campus to get a taste of college life.
“Everybody wants his endorsement,” Pisan said. “He's the kind of guy who could probably run for state Legislature, and it wouldn't matter which party he represented. He'd be electable.
“He never says ‘no.' If someone wants him to do something, he'll do what he can to assist.”
Pisan mentioned Miles once helping a Lakeview athlete secure a football scholarship at Eastern Oregon University. The boy's family wrote a letter thanking Miles for his assistance, although his efforts had no benefit for OIT.
Helping others
Herald and News sports editor Steve Matthies has covered Miles' teams for many years. He recalled a similar incident in which the coach helped a student-athlete find a niche at another school.
Max Gotzler, raised near Munich, was a 4.0 student at OIT despite English being his second language. Gotzler wanted to pursue academic avenues not available at OIT, and Miles went to bat for him.
“Max eventually settled on Boston College and Miles spent considerable time talking with the basketball coach there to give Gotzler a chance to play,” Matthies said. “The Boston College coach told Gotzler he was amazed another coach would do so much to help a player transfer from his program to another.”
Matthies said it shows why Miles is successful as a coach and as a human being.
“Miles is so down-to-earth, humble and honest that I get spoiled and almost take him for granted, but that is the kind of person he is,” Matthies said.
In fact, Miles downplayed his selection as Person of the Year. When told he had been chosen, he replied: “There are many more deserving people.”
Valuable in OIT transition
OIT president Martha Anne Dow is one of Miles' biggest fans.
“He is an absolute icon at OIT, there's no question. I could walk out the door tomorrow and nobody would notice, but if Danny did that, there'd be chaos,” she joked.
Dow said Miles' experience at the university, and his sense of humor, was important when the school had to eliminate some sports in the wake of Measure 5, including the football program.
“OIT's been through stressful times while he's been here,” Dow said. “He was a trooper in helping us get through that, and managing personnel issues. He's helped me reconstruct some programs during the past few years that we had to downsize.”
Miles helped the transition in the early 1990s as OIT restarted its baseball program, and its women's volleyball and basketball teams while adding soccer.
“He showed his prowess with budget management,” Dow said of Miles, who took the athletic director's position for a while in addition to coaching. “Athletic programs are important to a university. His advice in rebuilding was invaluable.” She calls him a connector. “He definitely connects OIT with the community.”
Sports background
Sports were important in young Miles' Medford home. His father was a professional baseball player, and competed against Olympic champion Jim Thorpe.
Miles played football, basketball and baseball in high school and at Southern Oregon University. He completed 76.9 percent of his passes during the 1965 season at SOU, which remains a national record.
Miles' most recent accomplishment was notching his 800th career basketball victory earlier this season. He became just the 10th men's basketball coach at a four-year school to accomplish the feat.
Still, people say it isn't the win-loss record that sets Miles apart.
Tim Stanaway, former OIT dean of students, said Miles has always thought of others.
For year's he's provided local high school basketball players and Crystal Terrace residents with tickets to Hustlin' Owls games. Crystal Terrace activities director Pete Ward said the tickets are coveted.
“They provide chairs in the corner of the gym, right on the floor,” he said. “They're fantastic seats for us.”
Howard Morris, former OIT athletic director and coach, noted the close relationship between Klamath Falls and OIT's basketball program.
“We're small and isolated,” he said. “OIT basketball is something the community can hang its hat on and support. Anything Dan has touched has been a winner. He's a winner.” Morris noted Miles' 36 years as head basketball coach. The tenure is rare in a transient profession.
“Not too many places have that,” Morris said. “Dan's relationship with his kids is an outstanding one.”
Friend of Special Olympics
One of the beneficiaries of Miles' attention is the local Special Olympics program. The OIT basketball team plays a game each year against the Special Olympians, which is always a high point for the youngsters.
The games have been held for 20 years, and the Olympians have never lost. They sport a perfect 20-0 record against Miles' men.
“He has a special place in his heart for people with special needs,” assistant coach Pisan said.
However, Miles knows how to buckle down with his varsity athletes when needed. Star guard Levell Hesia said the coach doesn't have to raise his voice to get players' attention.
“He's stern,” he said. “He'll look right at you and get the point across. He's direct.”
Hesia added: “He taught me how to do things right, not only on court, but off the court.”
Miles' wife of 19 years, Judie, said her husband used to let the outcome of games affect his mood at home, although that's changed over time.
“He handles things differently from when we were first married,” Judie said. “A seasoned coach looks at things differently than a young coach just trying to prove himself.
“He takes losses to heart, but if he knows his team has done its best he doesn't worry about it. Now God and family come first, before the career. That didn't always take place with him, but it does now.”
Surprisingly, Miles sleeps better after a loss than after a victory.
“It seems to be a natural protective mechanism,” Judie said. “When he's winning, he doesn't sleep well because he's doing all these things in his head, little changes in strategy to make things better.”
She calls his OIT record “an amazing journey,” and expressed thanks for everyone's support.
‘A good man first'
“We have wonderful friends,” Judie said. “We are so planted here with our family, friends and community we wouldn't even think of leaving.
“We have to remember he's a good man first, before he's a basketball coach. That's more important to me than his basketball success. We both walk with the Lord, and that makes a huge difference with everything.” The former teacher said they've remained young at heart by being around young people.
No retirement in sight
Miles, 61, is in good health and has no thoughts of retirement. Besides coaching OIT, he directs summer basketball camps for youths, estimating 13,000 campers have gone through his program.
“I just love practices,” he said. “I've been excited to come to work for 36 years.”
He grinned when told what his wife said about not sleeping after victories.
“We've been winning a lot, so I haven't been sleeping much,” he acknowledged.
It's something the coach is happy to live with.
- STEVE KADEL
 |
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| School bond measures rejected; retirement center director killed |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
skii v. wrote on Jun 26, 2009 12:51 AM:
" Steven Vannarath is my cousin and he is a really good guy.ive been talking to him for the last couple months.After that night happend,i could not sleep for days thinging about him.He has a beautyful daughter that he miss.he will be a free man im acouple of months.GOD LET YOU BE WITH EVERYONE AMEN "
phillip wrote on Feb 1, 2009 1:43 AM:
" I'm looking for 100+ acreas of land with anual running water, stream, etc, with tree's, as forested as posible, am going to build a cabin for me to retire, thank you. "
Stephanie Patterson Southwell wrote on Oct 4, 2008 6:19 PM:
" I came across this article and find it very interesting. My grandad was the "Southwell" in Southwell & Stilwell :) My dad and uncles were raised in Klamath Falls until they moved to the Portland area. "
Margaret wrote on Apr 29, 2008 11:19 AM:
" It appears the two negative reader comments are associated with the wrong article, as they do not seem to relate. It's unfortunate they are appearing after reading such a nice article about this concert. "
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Rebecca T wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:16 PM: