University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Mourns the Loss of Milo ‘Mike’ Lude
3/20/2024 11:55:00 AM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football program mourns the loss of former assistant coach Milo 'Mike' Lude. Lude, who served during World War II as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marines, passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 101 years old.
One of the architects of the famed Wing-T formation, Lude arrived in Newark in 1951 as not only the assistant football coach but also an assistant to the director of admissions, and assistant professor of physical education. While at Delaware, he wrote several papers on the Wing-T, particularly the offensive line. He also published a paper on "Academic Guidance for Athletics," which brought him recognition in both the football and administration fields.
Lude remained connected to Delaware's football program in recent years as he hosted annual luncheons throughout the area with former players.
Following his service in the Marines, Lude received his bachelor's degree from Hillsdale College where he was the captain of the baseball and football teams, earning all-conference honors in the latter. While coaching at Delaware, Lude continued his education taking graduate courses at Michigan State University and received his master's degree in 1953.
After 11 years at UD, Lude became the head coach at Colorado State University, serving in that capacity for eight seasons. He then made the move to administration and was the director of athletics at Kent State University from 1970-76. He spent 15 years as the athletic director at the University of Washington, becoming one of the great leaders and influencers in collegiate athletics. He retired in 1991 only to then spend two years as the director of intercollegiate athletics at Auburn University.
Lude served as the president of NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics) and was inducted into the athletics hall of fame at Colorado State, Kent State and Washington. In 2001, he was the recipient of the National Football Foundation's John L. Toner Award which honors an athletics director who has demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics, particularly college football.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
