PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will formally recognize its second annual Troop 1908 Award honorees Friday (Jan. 30).

The honorees – Dick Coleman, Richard Miller and Dr. Steve Scott – will be the guests of honor at a special dinner at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts on the PSU campus. Additionally, the group will be recognized during the Gorillas home basketball doubleheader Saturday (Jan. 31) against the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The award recipients were first announced at the 2025 Kick-Off Party and Auction last August.

The Troop 1908 Award recognizes and honors individuals or groups who have supported Pittsburg State University Intercollegiate Athletics programs through substantial service and/or contributions over a significant period of time or have otherwise distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements in the field of athletics over a period of time, bringing recognition to Pittsburg State University Intercollegiate Athletics.


Troop 1908 Award Recipient Biographies

A key leader at Miller's Professional Imaging, Dick Coleman, vice president of the company and a master photographer, has been a consistent and loyal supporter of Pittsburg State University Athletics for many years. He and his wife, Faith, have provided support across a range of programs and initiatives, including Track & Field, Golf, Football, Men's and Women's Basketball, and Sports Performance. A regular contributor to the Silverback Fund, Dick gives annually to ensure all of the university's athletic programs have the resources necessary to succeed. Dick also has been a lead contributor to multiple facility construction and enhancements projects, including Carnie Smith Stadium, renovations to John Lance Arena, and the Outdoor Track & Field Complex. Dick also has served on multiple search committees to hire head coaches for the Gorillas. His continued willingness to support programs in varied ways reflects his deep commitment to the mission and future of Pitt State Athletics.

As CEO and majority owner of Miller's Professional Imaging, Richard Miller has led the company to become the largest single professional portrait and wedding photographic processing lab in the world, employing more than 650 people. As a dedicated supporter of Pittsburg State University Athletics for many years, he's helped advance multiple programs and facility initiatives to the next level, including the Outdoor Track & Field complex, and Carnie Smith Stadium renovations. Richard also is an annual supporter of the Women's Basketball Golf Outing, and his contributions to Football have helped provide updated equipment and technology for student-athletes. He also is an active donor annually to the Silverback Fund and other athletic initiatives. His continued support reflects a strong belief in providing resources that enhance both competitive excellence and the overall student-athlete experience at Pitt State.

Steve Scott has demonstrated a lasting commitment to Pittsburg State University through leadership and service, starting as a student and continuing as a faculty member, department chair, college dean, provost, and university president. In the role of president for 13 years, he advanced Pitt State's mission and strengthened its athletic foundation profoundly. Under his leadership, the Robert W. Plaster Center was built and Garfield Weede facilities were improved, elevating the fan and student-athlete experience and contributing to regional economic development. During this time, Carnie Smith Stadium and the Gene Bicknell Sports Complex received major upgrades with locker rooms, turf, and seating. He also helped establish the Silverback Fund in 2017 and was, and remains, a major supporter of the Kick-Off Party and Auction each year. Dr. Scott has remained engaged with Pitt State Athletics, generously giving his time and rarely missing the opportunity to support student-athletes at competitions.


Troop 1908 General Information
The Troop 1908 Award, which recognizes PSU's first year of intercollegiate sports competition, is administered by a committee composed of PSU staff and coaches that annually select the honorees.
Inaugural inductees into Troop 1908 in 2025 included:  Harvey & Sharon Dean, Bob Leppke and Miles & Paula Schnaer.

Due to creation of the Associate of Arts degree program at PSU as well as other updates to the PSU Athletics Hall of Fame process, the award replaced the Meritorious Achievement category for the Hall of Fame. The 25 individuals who have previously been inducted in that category also are considered recipients of the award and helped compose the inaugural class.