By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
Hey buddy.
It’s a phrase I’d hear any time I was at Princeton High for a sporting event. The words would come from John Miranda, the Princeton athletic director who passed away on Sunday. He’d share the same greeting with so many others who attended athletic events at Princeton.
First as the school’s baseball coach and then as its athletic director, Miranda always greeted you with a smile. He was professional in his approach to his job, but also a kind man.
Miranda passed away on Sunday at the age of 57. Certainly too young. He loved to talk with pride about his three sons — John Jr, Nick and Tim. All three attended PHS and enjoyed sports as much as their father.
When it came to the student athletes, it was hard to find a more supportive athletic administrator than Miranda. He supported all of the PHS teams and could be found near the field or the court no matter what sport was being played. He had a special affinity for baseball, which he coached at Princeton before becoming the athletic director.
In addition to serving the athletes of Princeton High, John Miranda served his country as well. He served with the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served actively and as a reservist until his retirement after 23 years of service.
As we gather at PHS games this fall and into the winter, it will seem strange not to see John Miranda talking with Bob James about what can be done do help promote the athletes and teams at Princeton. It will seem strange not seeing him confer with Shannon Koch about the best ways to keep the athletes safe. At the same time, it will seem strange to not see him just joking around with Nick Cream or Dave Boehm on the sidelines, keeping everything in perspective.
Princeton High teams certainly enjoyed their share of success during his time as athletic director. Whether it was on the soccer field, the tennis court, the football field or the lacrosse field, John Miranda was always quick to point out it was the hard work of the coaches and players that made it happen. He knew success didn’t come without hard work.
I’m sure John Miranda loved to win — as a former coach you would expect nothing else. But more importantly, John Miranda kept things in perspective. He knew sports were about life lessons. And while winning is always nice, it isn’t the most important thing about high school sports.
I, like so many others, will miss John Miranda. It will take some time to get used to him, not being around when attending a PHS event. But at the same time, we should all remember that he left those around the program in a better place for having know him.
For that, we can all say — Thanks, Buddy.
A viewing will be held tonight (Friday) from 6-8 p.m. at Fluehr Funeral Home,241 East Butler Avenue, New Britain, PA. There will also be a viewing Saturday from 10-11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m.
Miranda will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors.
