Leo Fidelis Miles · 1988 Honoree

When you meet Leo Miles, you might be fooled into thinking he is just like any of the rest of us. To truly understand the magnitude of this multi-faceted man’s contribution to our community, and to the youth of Washington, D.C., would call for a perspective earned in the same sacrifice and discipline that surrounds a career in the field of athletics.

Leo was born and raised on Capitol Hill in the house where the continues to reside, among descendants of the old St. Cyprian’s Roman Catholic Church. He received his primary education at the parish parochial school alongside lifelong friends who still reside on Walter Street. These proud and proper families are somewhat reluctant to equate today’s “Capitol Hill” with the black “Southeast” community in which they were raised. But Leo insists that “the spirit of Walter Street is still there,” even if the ethnicity has been altered.

Mr. Miles graduated from Cardoza High School in 1949, a varsity star in football, basketball and baseball. A scholarship coaxed him to Virginia State University where, in addition to his excellence on the gridiron, he earned a B.S. in Physical Education and an M. S. in Secondary School Administration. He served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army and continued to play football during his military career. Leo was drafted by the NFL Football Giants on the heels of All France and All Army performances. But, as happens too often in the world of sports, a knee injury tragically ended his career during only his second year in the pros. 

Reflecting on his heartbreak, he says, “It’s the downs that make ups possible.” What was for him a bitter disappointment, became a providential turn of fate for many young men who would learn to share Leo’s dreams. With educational credentials to fall back on, Mr. Miles went to work for the D.C. Public School System at what he describes as some of the roughest schools in Washington. He was a teacher and head football coach at Bell Vocational and later, Assistant Principal at Lincoln Junior High. His great success as a leader and role model earns him recognition in every corner of our city where former students proudly call him “Coach” and remember his lesson that “It’s the fighting heart that wins, when all the chips are down."

In 1970, Mr. Miles was appointed Athletic Director at Howard University. During his sixteen year tenure there, he lifted Howard's modest program to NCAA Division I status in fifteen different sports. A more tangible monument to his success is Howard's William H. "Stud" Greene Stadium, completed during his administration.

Among his many career achievements, Leo Miles became one of the first black game officials in the NFL. He has been honored with assignments during three Superbowls (VIII, X,& XIX). Officiating continues to keep him close to the game which has meant so much to his personal and professional life.

Besides countless awards for his personal athletic ability, Mr. Miles has been honored as Football Coach of the Year in the D.C. Public School System on three different occasions, is an Honorary Member of the Washington Touchdown Club, a recipient of the Catholic Youth Organization's National Figure Award and listed in Who's Who Among Black Americans. He has also been active in civic affairs at both the local and citywide levels.

As Leo is affectionately known to so many, this “man with the fighting heart” expresses the essence of our appreciation for who he is better than we might ever think to do on our own. “Whatever talents the Lord gave me, I like to think I was able to use them, with the help of other people, and make some significant contributions to society.” Amen, Leo, and thanks!