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Mike Turner, former Trenton coach, is the recipient of national award
Mike Turner, who coached Trenton for 28 seasons and guided the Trojans to 11 state hockey titles, was named the 2015 National Coach of the Year in special sports by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association.
The announcement was made on June 20 during The National Coach of the Year Awards Banquet at the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s national convention at the Kahler Grand Hotel in Rochester, MN.
Turner is the state’s all-time leader in career victories with 629.
He retired after the 2014 season, a season that saw Trenton defeat Hartland, 8-3, in the Division 2 final.
The selection was based on longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years, and winning parentage. The nominees and finalists are evaluated by experts in the field of coaching using a sport-specific rubrics to assign points in each category. The National High School Athletic Coaches Association is the oldest coaches association formed by coaches, for coaches, in the nation, and has been recognizing national coaches of the year since 1978.
When reflecting on his accomplishments Turner went back to one of his earliest teams.
“One of my favorite teams would certainly be Trenton’s first MHSAA State Championship team in 1976,” he said. “But my most favorite would be the 1996 team. We were 28-0-0. No team since has been undefeated and untied. We were the first to do so since (St. Clair Shores) Lakeview did it in 1975. My son was elected captain by his team mates. What a thrill to coach your son at this level and to share that experience with him!”
Turner began coaching at Trenton in 1973. He was laid off from his teaching job in 1981 but spent his time wisely, coaching hockey at the University of Michigan. He returned to the Trenton School District in 1985 and returned to coach the varsity for the 1994-95 season.
“Most importantly,” Turner said. “I would like to thank all the players who played hard for me and represented Trenton High School hockey so well. Whether we won the championship, or not, I will always be thankful for their efforts.”
Four Mr. Hockey award winners played at Trenton under Turner.
