Terry English, the Bishop Miege girls basketball coach who had a seat on the bench for all 23 of the program’s state titles, died Tuesday from a stroke, according to social media posts from the high school. He was 72 years old.

English, a 1968 Bishop Miege graduate and basketball standout who went on to play for Rockhurst College, spent 46 years coaching and more than 30 years teaching at his alma mater. 

After taking over the girls basketball program in 1975, English turned the Stags into state champs by the end of the 1977-78 season. By the time he stepped down in 2021, he had won 22 state titles as the head coach.

His overall record as head coach was 910-168.

"Coach English will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, friends, students, and players," the Facebook post said. "He demonstrated commitment, grit, and love as a husband, father, educator, and coach. From 1975 to 2021, Coach English dedicated his life to a program that became a dynasty during his decades at Miege. 22 state titles reflect the team spirit and work ethic he instilled in his players.”
 

In addition to his 22 state titles as head coach, he won one more as an assistant coach serving under his son Jeff English last season. After Jeff announced in August that he was stepping down to pursue a new career opportunity, English started preparing to take back over head coaching duties.

English also helped lead Miege’s baseball team to a state championship as an assistant in 1996, the program’s first and only state title until the Stags won their second in 2021.

"Coach Terry English’s accomplishments and more importantly, his example, will endure for generations to come at Bishop Miege," the school’s social media post stated.

In an interview with Diane Gasper-O’Brien for a KSHSAA Covered 50 for 50 story, which celebrated 50 years of Title IX, English talked about how he not only enjoyed winning, but also watching his players succeed after they left his program.

"That's what it's all about," English said, "watching them grow up and become adults and the decisions they make and watch them with their kids."

All four of the English children graduated from Bishop Miege: Mark English in 1996, Greg English in 1991, Jeff English in 2002 and Jenny English (Huska) in 2005.

The social media post stated that Bishop Miege will communicate details regarding visitation and funeral for English after receiving that information from his family.