UD's Miyamoto to be Inducted in WFCA Hall of Fame
Apr 8, 2016
MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) will induct the University of Dubuque’s Dr. Michael “Mick” Miyamoto into the 2016 WFCA Hall of Fame on April 9 at the Marriott West in Middleton, Wis. Miyamoto is the lone collegiate coach to join the Hall of Fame in 2016.
The WFCA Hall of Fame inducted it's inaugural class in 1980. Since then they have honored those who have made a difference in football in Wisconsin each year at the annual awards banquet. At the present time the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame is located in Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and in the Atrium at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Miyamoto has been the Vice President and Dean of Student Life at the University of Dubuque (Dubuque, Iowa) for the past seven years and continues to coach the tight ends as a volunteer for the Spartans, who are coached by Stan Zweifel (HOF C’ 08).
He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on May 12, 1957 to Harry and Dorothy Miyamoto. He graduated from La Crosse Central High school in 1975 where he played varsity football and competed in track and field all three years. Miyamoto was coached by WFCA Hall of Famer – the late Marv Sammartano, was elected captain of the football team his senior year and held the school record in the shot put for 37 years.
Miyamoto continued to play football at the collegiate level in his hometown of La Crosse. He played for legendary coach Roger Harring, starting three of his four years in the offensive line. He graduated summa cum laude in December of 1979 with a degree in Art Education and a minor in coaching.
Upon graduation from UW-L, Miyamoto began his teaching and coaching career in the La Crosse School District. During his five years at La Crosse Logan as an assistant coach, he had the privilege of working with current United States Congressman, Ron Kind, who quarterbacked the Rangers.
In 1985, he earned a graduate assistantship position with the University of Wisconsin Badgers and while earning his Ph.D. had the incredible good fortune of working for the late Dave McClain. It was during his time at Wisconsin Miyamoto developed long lasting relationships with his mentor – Jerome Fishbain (HOF C ’95) and John O’Grady (HOF C ‘08).
From Wisconsin, he secured a position as Offensive Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin River Falls and worked for the best teacher/coach whom he has ever known – Mike Farley (HOF class of ’94). While at UWRF, Miyamoto also coached with Ted Thompson (HOF C’ 03).
In 1990, he returned to his alma mater, UW-La Crosse and worked as Assistant Dean of Students for the next 20 years. During this stretch, he served as a volunteer assistant coach for 10 of those 20 years and coached the tight ends and coordinated the offense for five seasons.
Mick and his wife, Kathy Snyder, have a blended family consisting of three adult children, a son-in-law and two adorable grandchildren.
2016 WFCA Hall of Fame Class:
HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACHES
Pete Kittel, Brillion High School
Frank Matrise, Jr., Kenosha Tremper High School
Mike Stassi, Monona Grove High School
HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT COACHES
Dave Branske, Germantown High School
Tom Tenpas, Poynette High School
HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT/HEAD COACHES
Samuel Komp, Jr., Marinette & Peshtigo High Schools
Dan Simon, Hustisford High School
Scott Zywicki, Darlington High School
COLLEGE COACH
Dr. Michael “Mick” Miyamoto, UW-La Crosse, UW-River Falls & Dubuque
CITATION
Ron Buckli, Eau Claire Leader
Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award
Doug Sarver, Saint Francis High School
National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Ron Davies, Kenosha Tremper High School
John Brodie, Homestead High School
Marge and Dick Rundle Positive Influence of Coaching Award
Joe La Buda, Menomonie High School
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