University of Mary Athletics

Dr. Harold J. Miller has played a pivotal role in Marauder athletics. In 1970, as president of Mary College, he was the visionary, driving force behind the creation of U-Mary’s athletic program. That year, he hired Coach Fritz Fell to start a men’s basketball team. In 1973, he recruited Al Bortke to further develop men’s basketball with the help of Assistant Coach Neal Kalberer. Dr. Miller’s vision and support has been instrumental in the Marauders athletic program’s growth from only men’s basketball to 19 varsity and 7 junior varsity teams.

“Dr. Miller also has played a key role in the university’s athletic scholarship program,” notes Athletic Director Al Bortke. “Through his vision, direction, and guidance, a budget has been developed to enable U-Mary’s coaches, teams, and student athletes to experience success not only at the conference level, but at a regional and national level as well. His care, concern, wisdom, and guidance have been of invaluable service to student athletes and members of U-Mary’s athletic staff, and his leadership has set a high bar for success. The foundation Dr. Miller helped build will continue to be one of the Marauder’s strengths as they move forward as an NCAA Division II Team.”