Janesville CSD Hosts Iowa Star Conference North Guest Speaker: Coach Jim Miller
/On November 13, Janesville Community School District had the honor of hosting a true legend in the world of wrestling and leadership—Coach Jim Miller. Known for his unmatched success and inspirational approach to coaching, Miller brought a powerful message to students and educators across the Iowa Star Conference North.
Coach Miller currently serves as the Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo. A proud graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and became a two-time NCAA Champion during his collegiate career.
His coaching résumé is nothing short of extraordinary. Over 37 years, Miller spent seven years at the high school level, eight years as UNI’s top assistant, and an incredible 22 years leading Wartburg College. When he arrived at Wartburg, the program hadn’t won a conference title in 13 years. By the time he retired, Wartburg had captured 21 consecutive Iowa Conference Championships, 10 NCAA team titles, and compiled a dual record of 413 wins and just 34 losses. His achievements earned him induction into 10 Halls of Fame, recognition as a five-time National Coach of the Year, and even a feature on the front page of the New York Times sports section. He is also the author of Do It Anyway and a nationally recognized motivational speaker.
During his 40-minute presentation, Coach Miller shared lessons drawn from decades of experience in athletics and leadership. His talk emphasized themes that resonate far beyond the wrestling mat:
The Power of Encouragement: Support from peers can be transformative, and sometimes the most unexpected voices can have the greatest impact.
Persistence Over Perfection: Success often comes down to refusing to give up—getting back up and trying again after setbacks.
Mindset Matters: How you think influences how you perform and what you achieve in life.
Results or Excuses—Pick One: Accountability is key to growth and success.
Moving Forward: Don’t let past disappointments derail future opportunities.
Stories of Inspiration: Miller highlighted the most inspirational student-athlete he coached in his 37-year career, illustrating the profound impact of resilience and determination.
To make the event even more engaging, Miller encouraged schools to prepare questions in advance—whether from teachers, coaches, administrators, or student leaders. This interactive approach ensures students are actively involved and helps tailor the discussion to their interests.
Events like these are more than motivational—they’re opportunities for students to learn life lessons from individuals who have lived them. Coach Miller’s story is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a positive mindset. Janesville CSD and the Iowa Star Conference North are proud to provide experiences that inspire students to lead, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence in all areas of life.
