Year Inducted: 1983 (p)
Nominated By: Mary Pomeleo
Sports Competed In: N/A
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Coach, Contributor
High School:
Attended Pueblo Central H.S., graduating in 1936.
College
Went to Pueblo Junior College in Pueblo, CO, and Adams State College in Alamosa, CO.
Achievements:
● Director of Pueblo County basketball program from 1939 to 1960.
● Director of Old Timers baseball program from early 1940 to 1960.
Professional Affiliation:
Member of the Colorado Association for Health and Physical Education and Recreation.
Honors:
● Earned several awards presented by many clubs and organizations for contributions to the youth of Pueblo.
● Recipient of the Pueblo Newspaper Guilds Award.
● Had Memorial Award named after him.
Mills protégés:
Vern Cochran
Jerry Ellis
Harvey Koshak
Leroy Novak
Ralph Romero
Nick Crusech
John Griffin
Tom Keach
Joe Puleo
George Simms
Jack Datz
Bucky Hall
Jack Ludlow
Bill Reid
Ernie Trujillo
Frank DeLeon
Dave Jackson
Bob Massar
John Rivas
Vic Velarde
Massar, Trujillo, Puleo, Knofelc [Knafelc] and DeLeon played professional ball - the others coached or played in college athletics.
Quotes:
"I would like to see a year round recreation program consisting of touch and regular Football, soccer, checkers, tennis, volleyball, crafts, boxing and wrestling.” He also included softball, crafts and sewing for girls. He was of the belief that a sound recreation program helps curb delinquency among juveniles. He felt he could accomplish this with $50,000 of City and County monies. Its ironic that 30 years later the City-County recreation program consists of all the activities he mentioned. It costs not $50,000 but $800,000 and is directed by a student of his from Hinsdale School.
-- Mike Vunovich on the limited funds the City-County Recreation Program centered around basketball and baseball
Occupations:
● Teacher and athletic coach in School District at Minnequa, Hinsdale and Somerlid Elementary Schools for five years (1945-50).
● Worked with Ed and Fred Smith in Recreation Programs.
● Also worked as a City and County Recreation Director.
Personal:
Passed away on December 20, 1960.
