Chuck Miller A Half Century of Lacrosse Building

When you first meet Chuck Miller, you are immediately taken by his friendly and easy-going manner. Chuck greets you with a warm smile and a friendly hand shake. Those two notable characteristics of Chuck have been part of his significant contributions to lacrosse at the local, provincial, national and international levels. Over the past five decades Chuck Miller has been hands-on active in lacrosse.

Numerous Contributions and Accomplishments

Beginning in 1972 as part of a group who founded the Guelph Minor Lacrosse Association. Until the year 2000, Chuck took on various roles with Guelph, including executive board member, coach, fundraising, refereeing, tournament convenor and any other role where he was asked to help out.

Mr. Miller’s devotion and passion for lacrosse saw him step up to give to the game next at the provincial level. His contributions are far too numerous to detail each of them. However, Chuck’s lacrosse bio is found at the end of this article. It is noteworthy his contributions have been accomplished at the house league minor

up to Minor National Championships, Minto Cup, Mann Cup, Presidents Cup, World Box Lacrosse championships and international competitions.

Among the more significant positions Mr. Miller served include: In 1991-1992, Chuck was the Vice-President for Coaching for the Ontario Lacrosse Association. In 1992-1993, he served as Vice-President of Officiating for the OLA. He was also on the Steering Committee (1993-1996) for the establishment of the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum, eventually serving as a Director from 1996-2018.

In 1994, Chuck took on the role of President of the Ontario Lacrosse Association until 2003. In addition, Chuck served a term as the Vice-President of the Canadian Lacrosse Association National Championships.

Although his national and provincial accomplishments are noteworthy, the efforts of Chuck Miller in his hometown of Guelph have also been impactful. In 1994, he helped spearhead the establishment of a Junior “B” team where he contributed for eleven years. In addition, Chuck assisted in starting a senior women’s lacrosse team and a women’s field lacrosse team ensuring access to lacrosse for many. Furthermore, he served as Chairperson of the Sports Advisory Council for the City of Guelph for the period 1992-2016.

Along with his dedication to lacrosse as an administrator, Chuck was instrumental in getting the “game of the week” televised. Sponsored by Toshiba, the game was a weekly broadcast of an OLA Junior “A” game. When necessary, he performed play by play, or colour commentator.  In addition, Chuck assisted the International Lacrosse Federation and the Women’s International Lacrosse Federation.

Accolades – Six Major Acknowledgements

Mr. Miller’s contributions have been duly acknowledged – in 2001, the Ontario Lacrosse Association awarded him with the Thomas “Tip Teather” Award as “Mr. Lacrosse” for his contributions to the sport.

In 2005, Chuck was awarded the Lester B. Pearson Award in recognition of unselfish dedication, distinguished leadership to the game of lacrosse and development of young Canadians.

In 2006, Chuck was inducted in the Builder category into both the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2010, Chuck Miller was given the honour of designation of Life Member of the Ontario Lacrosse Association for service to the game at the highest standard of dedication.

For almost the past decade, Chuck’s hometown of Guelph named a lacrosse tournament in his honour. The “Chuck Miller Classic Tournament” operates a 40-team tournament at the A/B level of competition from U9 to U17.

Photo from Guelph Regals Lacrosse Website

Chuck participates in the ceremonial face-off at the

 Chuck Miller Classic Lacrosse Tournament

Chuck Miller’s contribution to lacrosse has been significant and on-going. Appearing to be tireless, Chuck has been a behind-the-scenes worker consistently and constantly contributing to lacrosse. Having contributed at all levels, Chuck Miller has begun to step aside and let the next generation of administrators take over. However, he still serves as a Special Advisor to the staff of the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

Chuck Miller has served the sport of lacrosse for five decades. He has contributed immensely to the game. Without question, lacrosse has benefited from the long-time commitment of Chuck Miller.

Lacrosse Bio for Chuck Miller

1972- One of the founders of Guelph Minor Lacrosse, stayed actively involved till 2000. Refereed, coach, fundraised and was an executive member within Guelph and Zone 8.

1991-Started a Junior B franchise in Guelph and stayed involved for 11 years.

1991-92 was VP of Coaching for the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

1992-93 was VP Officiating for the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

1992 till 2016 present the Chairperson of the Guelph Sports Advisory Council.

1993-96 was on the steering committee of the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum.

1994-2003 was the President of the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

1995-1999-sat on a steering committee for the Presidents of Sport Ontario.

1996-2018-was a director of the Ontario Lacrosse Hall Of Fame and Museum.

1996-1999 started a U-19 women’s field team in Guelph and coached the team to a silver medal in two of the four years.

1999-2001-sat on a steering committee for the Sports Alliance.

1999-Mr. Lacrosse for the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

2002-2004 was involved with the steering committee and the operation of the Heritage Cup.

2003- Was involved with World Indoor Box Lacrosse Championships that was held in Oshawa, Mississauga, Kitchener and Hamilton.

2003 till present Past President of the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

2004-2012-was the Mann Cup Convener for the Canadian Lacrosse Association.

2004-2009 was the VP of Domestic Competition of the Canadian lacrosse Association was instrumental in starting the Minor Nationals to the present format.

2005 Lester B Pearson Award

2005 till present was the Chair of the Equipment Review Committee for the Canadian Lacrosse Association.

2005-2007 was on a steering committee for the Minto Cup.

2005 inducted into the City of Guelph Sports Hall of Fame.

2005-was the Chair person for the Peewee National Championships.

2006-inducted in to the Ontario Lacrosse Hall Of Fame.

2006 till present was a member of CSA for helmets and facemasks.

2007-Sat on the committee as the Chair of the World Indoor Box Lacrosse Championships held in Nova Scotia.

2006-2007-Sat on the committee for the Women’s World Field Lacrosse Championships held in Peterborough ON.

2009-President’s Cup Convener for the Canadian Lacrosse Association.

2010-till present President of the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum.

2010-Life Member Ontario Lacrosse

2012-Induction Committee Member for Guelph Sports Hall of Fame

2016-Admistration Director Canadian Lacrosse Association