In the late 1970's and early 1980's, CBS had a highly successful television series entitled "The White Shadow," which centered around the life of an understanding high school basketball coach and teacher who helped his young players translate the lessons learned on the court into real life situations. "The story lines, the values, the humor, the plays, even the way I dressed were all based on Mr. (Fritz) Mueller," wrote Ken Howard, the program's creator and star. Howard played basketball for Mueller at Manhasset (N.Y.) High in the early 1960's. "He was the most important man in my young life. I have stayed in touch with many of the people that Fritz touched and they often remark on how much he affected and continues to affect their lives in a positive way."
A farm boy from Montgomery, N.Y., Mueller attended Maybrook High before matriculating to Cortland in 1941. He played soccer, football and basketball before leaving school in 1943 to join the U.S. Army. He spent 18 months in the European theater of operations. Mueller returned to Cortland in 1946. He competed at forward on the varsity basketball squad and won the Red Letter Award as a tackle in football. In 1947, Mueller earned a bachelor's degree from Cortland.
From 1949 to 1953, Mueller taught and coached at Cornwall (N.Y.) High School, where he began the football program. His basketball squads won three divisional titles and two county championships. In 1953, Mueller went to Manhasset High on Long Island as a head basketball coach and assistant football coach. For the next 29 years, Mueller directed the Manhasset basketball program to more than 450 victories. Between 1975 and 1982, the Mueller-led hoop teams posted a 126-18 record that include seven consecutive conference titles. In all, his team captured 16 divisional crowns.
Mueller retired as athletic director from Manhasset in 1982. Always active within the community, Mueller was a past Exalted Ruler at the Port Washington Elks, a former Master of Lodge at the Port Washington Masonic Lodge, and a deacon in the Manhasset Congregational Church. After retiring, Fritz and his wife, Betty Rocker Mueller '48, moved to Mesa, Ariz. There, he remains an involved community member having served as president of the Apache Wells Shrine Club and Country Club Board. The Muellers have four children: Glen, Gail, Donna and Dawn.
UPDATE: Mueller passed away on Nov. 7, 2014 at age 90.
