Timeline

Coach Ron Miller came to Carolina in 1967 as a physical education instructor. While in graduate school, Miller had written a paper on the kinesiology of fencing and a professor of his put him in touch with the chair of UNC's physical education. Miller moved to UNC as a physical education instructor and started the fencing program at UNC in 1967. He finished 8–1 in his first season, and built the team into a varsity sport in 1970.

John Friedberg was a sabre fencer who attended college at the University of North Carolina. Friedberg won two gold medals in team sabre at the Pan American Games, winning in 1991 and 1995. He was the 1983 NCAA sabre champion, won the 1994 US Championship in sabre, and was second in 1993. In team sabre, he was on the podium at the US nationals in 1989, 1993, and 1996.

Nhi Lan Le attended the University of North Carolina, where she took up fencing, eventually graduating in 1987 with a business degree. Le won two medals at the 1999 Pan American Games, fencing épée, winning bronze in both the individual and team events. She later became a sales accountant for Sun Data.

We were at UPenn, fencing Sacred Heart, at a dual meet.  The guy who was the assigner for officials had to also officiate.  He assigned himself to our match with Sacred Heart’s women’s sabre.  During the match, there were several calls involving Gill Litynski, that I took issue with.  The principal issue of the dispute had to do with a situation in which Gill caused Sacred Heart’s fencer to fall short and Gill made an immediate attack (without footwork) and the Sacred Heart fencer made a remise (continuation).  The referee called the Sacred Heart’s fencer actions as one attack.  The first time, I let it go.  The second time I asked him to explain what he saw.  I made it clear I did not agree with his call.  The third time, which was even more obvious, rather than confronting him, I simply took the clipboard I was holding in my hand and smacked it against the top of my forehead.  The heavy wooden clipboard, which was a gift from the team, broke in half with a loud ‘pop’ as it hit the floor.. Even though I said nothing, the ref carded me for unsportsmanlike conduct.  (A first in my career)   Also this ‘Clipboard Tournament’ was my 1400th career win.  “At UPenn, Sarah Hanvy’s (sabre) victory against Sacred Heart pushed Miller’s record past the 1,400 mark.”

In 2016, Miller received the USFCA's Award of Merit for achievements and contributions to the national sport of fencing. He has served as a USFCA Vice-President and as a member of the C & A Board. He has not only been a central figure in coaching circles both nation-wide and in the Southeast Region, but has been a generous mentor to aspiring coaches throughout his career. It is with great pleasure the Coaches’ Association honors his contributions to our sport and our profession.

Coach Ronald Miller was awarded the 2016 Award of Merit at the December NORTH AMERICAN CUP in Richmond VA, by The United States Fencing Coaches Association. "For Career Contributions To The Coaching And Teaching Of Fencing", the plaque was presented by the President of the USFCA. Peter Burchard.

Hosted by Mathew Cox and Rebecca Conley, celebrated Coach Miller's 50th year as Carolina's Head Fencing Coach.

The North Carolina men's and women's fencing teams earned eight wins at the Ohio State Elite Invitational over the weekend, but one stood out from the rest: On Saturday, the Tar Heels gave UNC coach Ron Miller the 1,500th win of his career. More info: https://goheels.com/news/2017/11/6/fencing-tar-heels-give-miller-win-no-1-500.aspx

View Coach Miller's farewell speech to the team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC8At1EZVcA&t

The North Carolina women's fencing team upset second-ranked Northwestern and earned a landmark win for its coach in an up-and-down Sunday of competition at the Duke Meet. Fencing in Card Gym on the Duke campus, UNC front-loaded the day's excitement into the first two meets, beating the Wildcats 14-13 and then topping Boston College 16-11 to give UNC coach Ron Miller his 1,600^th career victory in his 52^nd year at the program's helm. More info: https://goheels.com/news/2019/2/10/fencing-hot-start-gives-tar-heels-cause-for-celebration.aspx

A Celebration of Life for Coach Ron Miller was held on November 12, 2023 at the Koman Indoor Practice Facility. Team members, colleagues, friends, and family came out to celebrate Coach's life and share his memories. The event was preceded by a practice with the team and dinner on Friday, November 10, 2023, and a Monogram Award winners picnic and Duke football game on November 11, 2023. Photos can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eaL5vuUWsKJmWNhJ7