Michael Schmitz, 72, a long-time football coach and respected figure in the Wooster community, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
He was known for his leadership both on and off the field, as well as the positive impact he had on generations of student-athletes.
Mike began his coaching career at Rittman High School, where he also coached wrestling and helped lead the football team to their first-ever playoff appearance.
He later coached at Hoban, Medina, and Lexington high schools before becoming the head football coach at The College of Wooster.
Over 18 seasons with the Fighting Scots, Mike helped build a strong football program and was a mentor to many students.
The highlights of his career included winning a conference championship in 2004 and being named Coach of the Year multiple times, including the Lee Tressel Coach of the Year Award in 2005.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Coach Mike Schmitz
Mike is survived by his wife of more than five decades, Peggy; his daughter, Joie Schmitz; his son, Stephen; and his beloved grandchildren, Evan Schmitz Wartmann and Callan Michael Schmitz.
He also leaves behind his brother, Jonathan (Shannon) Schmitz of Troy, and his sister, Kathy (James) Shock of Dayton.
Similarly, Dean Paul shared that the coaching world has lost someone truly special. Mike Schmitz had a big influence on many people throughout his career in both high school and college football.
Dean had the opportunity to work alongside Mike at The College of Wooster and Ohio Northern University, and spoke highly of him not just as a coach, but also as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Tragic news in the coaching community. Mike Schmitz made an incredible impact on so many people over his years as a high school & college coach. I had the great fortune to work with him at
Dean Paul
Fighting Scots Football & OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL. He was a great coach, husband, father & grandfather.
Not many coaches have been recognized by their peers in two different conferences. He was the @NCAC Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2008. He was also the @OAC assistant coach of the year in 2015. More important than the on-field success is the impact he made on his colleagues and players.
Mike stood out in his profession, earning Coach of the Year honors in two different conferences: the NCAC in 2004 and 2008, and the OAC Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015.
Furthermore, Timothy Whims shared heartfelt memories of Coach Mike Schmitz, remembering the decisive role he played in shaping the lives of those he coached, especially the 1986 football team that went undefeated.
While his obituary reads, “He left an indelible mark on the students, faculty, and staff,” that statement scarcely captures the profound influence Coach Mike Schmitz had on our 1986 football team—a team that went 10-0, not just because of talent, but because of him.
Timothy Whims
Coach Schmitz was more than a coach. He was a force of discipline, a teacher of purpose, and a beacon of unity at a time in our lives when we needed it most. He taught us how to set goals—and more importantly, how to pursue them with relentless determination. He taught us that no individual, no matter how talented, could ever rise above the team. He taught us to keep our eyes fixed on what lies ahead, no matter how sweet yesterday’s victory may have been.
“Riches take wings,” he would remind us—a call to humility, to focus, to move forward. Always forward…
Rest in peace, Coach Schmitz!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Even after retiring from Wooster, his passion for football continued. He went on to coach at Ohio Northern University, serving as both offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
- He was an active golfer and a familiar face at the Wooster Country Club, where he served on the board.
- He was a dedicated member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy.
