Mike Zmijanac was always a teacher, whether in the classroom, on the hardwood, or on the gridiron.

A graduate of Aliquippa High School, Edinboro State University, and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School, Mike began his 39-year academic career at his alma mater, teaching creative writing, American literature, and English composition.

In 1973, Mike began a coaching career when Beaver County Sports Hall of Famer Don Yannessa asked him to join his Quips football coaching staff, in which Mike's most prominent success came as defensive coordinator, helping the Quips to four WPIAL championships and three WPIAL runners-up. In 1988, Mike moved with Don to help coach Baldwin's football team.

In 1997, Mike returned to Aliquippa to serve as head coach for the Quips football team. Over 21 years as Quips head football coach, from 1997 through 2015 in Class 2A and 2016 and 2017 in Class 3A, Mike achieved a 237-36 won-loss slate, with six WPIAL crowns in thirteen championship games, three PIAA runners-up, and, in 2003, a PIAA 2A state title. The Quips had eleven undefeated regular seasons, and, at one point, won 62 consecutive regular season games and appeared in the WPIAL championship game ten consecutive seasons.

Mike also had great success as head coach of the Aliquippa boys' basketball team from 1996 to 2003, with a 166-43 record, a section title in each season, three WPIAL 2A championships in seven championship games, a PIAA 2A state runner-up, and, in 1997, a PIAA 2A state title. At Aliquippa, Mike served as Athletic Director from 2001 through 2018. Later, Mike served as head coach for the Ringgold football team in 2018 and the Seton LaSalle football team in 2019 and 2020.

Mike is the only coach in Pennsylvania history to win a state championship in football and basketball. His honors include Channel One National Coach of the Year in 2000, District 7 Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2003, Pittsburgh Steelers High School Coach of the Week in 2006, Pittsburgh Steelers High School Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2015, Beaver County Times Sportsman of the Year in 2013, and Beaver County Times Coach of the Year in 2015. Mike has been inducted into the Minor Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016, the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, and the WPIAL Hall of Fame in 2024.

Mike and his wife Michelle reside in Mt Lebanon and enjoy time with their family Leigh, Alexis, Will, Jessica, Milo, and Fiona.

− Photo courtesy of the WPIAL