Fighting Illini, cont.

Dad loved sports. He played , , and for Elgin High School and the University of Illinois. He even played Minor League Baseball until mother made him get a "real job." That job was at Joliet Township High School. It was at JTHS that Dad began coaching. He was both the football and basketball coach there. From JTHS, Dad was hired by the U of I to be an assistant football coach in 1935. He also took a job as an assistant basketball coach at the U of I his first year there. Dad's second year at the U of I found him as the head basketball coach. He remains as the 3rd winningest basketball coach for the U of I, with one coach who was only at the U of I for one year above him.

Dad played and coached football at Memorial Stadium

Throughout my life I have been a Fighting Illini fan. I was at the 1964 Rose Bowl when Dick Butkus, Jim Grabowski, and company won it for the Illini. I was at the 1984 Rose Bowl when the Illini embarrassed themselves. I've driven to Iowa City and back in one day to watch the Women's Illini Basketball team play in the 2nd round of the NCAA championships. Although Coach Grentz was unable to say anything about the officiating of that game, I can. Since we played the previous season's champs, we couldn't have been as good as them. At least that's how the three officials called the game.

I owe a lot to my Dad. I would like to honor my Dad and what he did for Champaign and Illinois. In order to do that, I need your help. Nothing would make me happier than to be able to build a new gymnasium at Champaign Centennial High School in Dad's name. Won't you please help? Any amount from 25¢ to $10,000,000 would be appreciated. If you would like to help, make your checks out to The Douglas R. Mills Gymnasium Fund and send them to me, Molly Mills, care of Centennial High School, 913 S. Crescent Dr., Champaign, IL 61821. Thank you.