Bob Kurz is a Miami University Alumnus, editor, writer, and contributor to the rich history of sports at Miami University. Kurz began his career at Miami University as a freshman in 1954, and joined the Miami Student as a sports writer that same year. Kurz quickly became connected with the sports community at Miami after seeing his first Miami football game at Miami Field under coach Ara Parseghian.

After his graduation in 1958, Kurz was hired by Miami University as the Sports Information Director, where he stayed for seven years. During this time, he was also a part-time editor for Beta Theta Pi, a position held by Kurz for many years to come.

In 1965, Kurz announced his resignation from Miami University, in order to pursue a career at the Dallas Times-Herald. Upon his departure, Kurz was regarded as “widely known and highly respected,” among his colleagues and associates at Miami University.

In 1983, Kurz’s book Miami of Ohio, The Cradle of Coaches, was published. The book was the first of its kind (coining the phrase “Cradle of Coaches”) and put into perspective the rich coaching history at Miami University. The book highlights the stunning history of football at Miami from its beginnings through 2002.

In 1992, Kurz was inducted into the Cradle of Coaches Association, which was established to further recognize the contributions of a select few Miamians to the awe-inspiring history of sports at Miami.

In 2004, Kurz and his wife, Marian, provided funding for the construction of the Cradle of Coaches Plaza, or the grand entrance to Yager Stadium. Comprised of life sized statues and boastful architecture, the plaza pays homage to the great coaching legends of Miami’s past.