On Monday, former UNC fencing coach Ron Miller — who started the program in Chapel Hill — passed away at the age of 78.
Miller retired from coaching in 2019 after 52 years with the fencing program. When he got to UNC in 1967 as a physical education teacher, fencing was just a club sport. The athletic department had him focus on creating a varsity program.
During his tenure at UNC, Miller 1602 wins and coached 14 All-Americans. Between 1971 and 1980, Miller led his UNC men’s fencing team to eight conference titles.
He also coached two Olympians and five of his fencers were on the U.S. National Team. In 1983 he won the Collegiate Coach of the Year, which he then won again in 1986. In 2015, Miller was named the ACC Women’s Fencing Coach of the Year.
Miller was known for creating a welcoming and team centered environment despite the individualism that comes with fencing. UNC recognized him as a Priceless Gem and was then presented with an honorary Rammy in 2017.
In 2022, Miller was inducted into the USA Fencing Hall of Fame at the Summer Nationals held in Minneapolis.
