Jim Miller

Coach Jim Miller stunned the basketball world in his very first varsity game as head coach. In 1959, the Youngsville Eagles basketball team defeated Warren in a huge 57-49 upset win. Warren had never lost to Youngsville in all of their previous fifty years of games. That one win catapulted Youngsville's Basketball program to winning six straight Upper Allegheny Valley Titles. Throughout those years, Coach Miller's Eagles regularly defeated larger schools such as Corry, Titusville and Warren.

History did repeat itself as Coach Miller and his squad traveled to Warren and once again defeated the Dragons by a 58-33 score. Coach Miller and the Youngsville Eagles were recognized as a team that utilized the talents of their stars, emphacized that giving-up was not-an-option, and using their intelligence to outwit larger more physical teams. Following the second defeat by Youngsville, Hall of Fame Dragon Coach Joe Massa, stated that, “Youngsville deserved to beat us. They were smart and they controlled the ball beautifully. And, they get all the credit in the world in my book,” he added.

Now a legendary story in Youngsville basketball circles, the Eagles were down by five points at the half to a much lesser team. The squad was lackluster and playing beneath their potential. Coach Miller, known to be a mild mannered individual, started his half-time speech with, “You are all playing like a bunch of pansies.” The team was shocked at his outburst. But they all knew that he was right. In the second half the Eagles came out of the locker room highly motivated, regained the lead by working as a team and won the game. Many of the former players reflect on this moment and refer to this as Coach Millers' “famous pansy speech.”

Jim's squads won nearly 80% of all games in his first five years of coaching. Known as the quintessential tactician, Jim Miller coached for a total of twenty-years. He coached Junior High Boys & Girls, and Varsity Boys & Girls teams from 1957 to 1993. He enjoyed one undefeated season with the '58-59 Junior High Boys. It was that nucleus of boys who went on to play varsity ball the very next season that started the five-year run. Jim returned to the hardwoods in '86 to coach the Varsity Girls.

Over six seasons, Coach Miller lead the team to three consecutive TCAC Championship playoffs.

All of his players' fondly remember him as a positive role model. They remember him teaching the principles of teamwork. Coach Miller set an example and developed confident, motivated athletes who performed at peak performance levels. He emphasized high moral character and good sportsmanship throughout his career.

He inspired his players to always give their best and he taught respect and responsibility by having clear rules with consequences. In turn, his players worked hard to fulfill his high expectations. Many of Jim's former athletes and students went on to successful coaching and teaching careers. The highest compliment paid to any coach is for his athletes to become coaches themselves.

Coaching, Class of 2008