Western State College Wrestling Coach Miles Van Hee Named Collegiate Coach of the Year

Western State College of Colorado wrestling coach Miles Van Hee was named the 2009 Colorado Collegiate Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Colorado Chapter (NWHOFCC). This is Van Hee’s third time earning the distinction, which he also received in 2001 and 2004.

Van Hee wrapped up a stellar wrestling season in March, leading the Mountaineers to their fourth Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Championship/Division II West Regional Title. The team also took seventh place at the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II National Championships with four All-Americans and a national runner-up. After posting a 9-0 RMAC dual record and a 14-4 overall dual record, head coach VanHee was selected as the 2008-09 RMAC Coach of the Year; his second time earning the distinction. Van Hee also crossed the 100-win mark this season, bringing his career dual record to 103-58-5.

“I’m honored to represent Western State College and Mountaineer Athletics as the Colorado College Coach of the Year,” Van Hee remarked. “I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by great student-athletes, coaches and administrators here at Western. It’s definitely a total team effort to gain such an award and to reach the 100-win mark.”

In his 16 years coaching the Mountaineers, Van Hee has racked up a number of honors. In addition to being named the NWHOFCC Collegiate Coach of the Year three times, he was named the NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year in 2004. In 1995, he was named the Assistant Collegiate Wrestling Coach of the Year (all levels) by Wrestling USA Magazine.

“We are pleased that the Colorado Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame recognized Miles’ significant contributions and achievements, and deservedly so,” said Greg Waggoner, Western State athletic director. “He is reputable in his field and Western is fortunate to have him.”

As a WSC student, Van Hee wrestled for the Mountaineers from 1990 until 1993. He was a two-time All-American and RMAC champion, and a NCAA II West Regional champion. Upon graduating with a degree in technology in 1993, Van Hee remained at his alma mater as an assistant wrestling coach. He was named head wrestling coach in 1997.

Van Hee is also the director of the Rocky Mountain Wrestling Camp, one of the longest running and most successful wrestling camps in America. This year he also coached the Colorado High School All-Star junior team at the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s National Scholastic Duals.

Originally from Fowler, Colo., Van Hee was a three-time high school state champion at Fowler High School and an Asics Junior National All-American and Cadet All-American. He holds a bachelor’s degree in technology from Western State College and earned his master’s degree in sports management from the University of Northern Colorado in 1997.

Van Hee resides in Gunnison with his wife, Tonya, who is the director of alumni relations for Western State College, and their two young boys, Bryson and Jared.