Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

Cory was born in Monroe, WI, July 28, 1972 to James and Kathleen Milz (Hartwig).  He graduated from Black Hawk High School in South Wayne, WI, in 1990.  At Black Hawk, Cory was a mulit-sport athlete, lettering in basketball, baseball, and was a three year letter-winner in football.  Cory was an All-Conference quarterback and defensive back in 1990. Cory played for and later coached with, WFCA class of 2000 Hall of Fame Coach, Dennis Murphy. Cory moved on to UW-Whitewater, earning his bachelors degree in biology and coaching education. 

Upon graduation from University Wisconsin Whitewater, Cory served as the varsity defensive coordinator for Orangeville High School in Orangeville, IL, under head coach Toby Golembiewski. In 1997, Cory returned to his alma mater, Black Hawk High School, and served as the varsity defensive coordinator under his former high school coach, Dennis Murphy.  Cory served as Coach Murphy’s defensive coordinator from 1997 to 2001.  In that time, Black Hawk qualified for the playoffs each year, playing for four Level-3 games, two Level-4 semi-final games, and one state championship appearance in 1998.

In 2002, Cory became the head football coach at Black Hawk High School, where he would serve as head coach for 18 seasons.  In 18 seasons, Coach Milz guided the Warriors to 15 playoff appearances, five conference championships, and four state championship appearances. Coach Milz and the Warriors won WIAA Division 7 state championships in 2013, 2018, 2019; while earning runner-ups in 2017.  

As an assistant coach and head coach, Cory Milz coached for 27 seasons. In those 27 seasons, Cory’s teams reached the playoffs, 24 times. Cory coached in five WIAA state championship games, winning three titles. Cory’s Black Hawk teams were known for their aggressive defenses and physical rushing attacks. Cory finished his 18 year coaching career at Black Hawk with a 70% winning percentage, winning 140 of 200 games. 

Cory built a Warrior program that prided itself on family.  Cory married Tonya Rood in 1997. Tonya blessed Cory with four children; Brody, Cayden, Lucas, and Mya. A highlight of his career is to have coached all three of his sons in state championship games, while having close family members roaming the sidelines with him; his daughter Mya as a manager, and his wife Tonya, as the team photographer.  Cory’s brother in laws, Torrey and Todd Rood , also served as key assistant coaches during Cory’s career.  Lion Hearts, Rhino Skins – 100% Wolverine!