Josh and Jennifer Turner have spent the past seven years on the sidelines of cross country and track and field meets at Notre Dame. 

“Notre Dame athletics have been a big part of our lives,” said Jennifer Turner. “Cross country and track have given our family some amazing memories and friendships.”

The Turners’ dedication to these two programs is why they have been named the 2026 Bob Miller Award recipients.  

This award, named after Bob Miller, a 1952 graduate and founding member of the Notre Dame Booster Club, recognizes the continuous and meritorious service that upholds the name and tradition of the Notre Dame athletic program and Notre Dame Regional High School.

“The Turners are exactly what you think of when you think of what the Bob Miller Award represents,” said Notre Dame Athletic Director Jeff Graviett. “They are always willing to help, whether it’s through giving of their time with meets and concession stands, their talent with helping on many construction and concrete projects on campus, and their willingness to be the first to step up and give when needed.” 

Josh and Jennifer have three daughters: twins Katy (‘23) and Molly (‘23), and recent graduate Anna (‘26). Katy participated in cross country and pole vault for the track and field team; Molly ran cross country and distance for track; and Anna was a distance runner for cross country and track, and part of Notre Dame’s Student Ambassadors and Student Mentor organizations. All three girls participated in WinGs (Women In God’s Service), Students for Life, Friends of Mercy, Peer Helpers, choir, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“Notre Dame has been a meaningful place for our family because of the relationships we’ve formed during our time here, and how the school has helped to shape our girls into the people they are today,” said Jennifer. “Being able to send them to a school that not only prioritized a great education and quality athletics, but also helped further their Catholic identity and faith, has been a great blessing.”

Jennifer says that supporting cross country and track and field have been rewarding, as the sports have given their family so much, including helping shape her daughters.

“Notre Dame athletics have made a lasting impact on our lives. Summer running for cross country starts in June. Those kids run six days a week at 7:00 a.m. from June through early November. That is a lot of togetherness as a team and leads to a family-like atmosphere. This family atmosphere of leadership from within, coupled with the steadfast dedication of coaches [Richie] Bohn, [Karen] Roggow and [Steve] Schmittzehe, has been instrumental in making our girls the young women they are today,” she says. “It has taught them leadership skills, dedication to a team, hard work, and how to work to be a little bit better every day.” 

She added that summer running helped her girls feel welcomed and gave them a sense of belonging. “The older kids take the younger kids under their wing, help transport them, plan team bonding experiences, and really show them what a Notre Dame cross country athlete should be.”

Both Josh and Jennifer have spent many shifts in the concession stand, sometimes nine a season, she says.

“We didn’t mind working them though, even if we may have complained a little,” she jokes. 

During cross country meets, Jennifer is consistently working the finishing line chute, while Josh has been posted at the switchbacks on the course. For home track meets, they both monitor the track entrance. 

“We have truly loved cheering on the cross country and track teams from the sidelines,” she added. “Cross country is a spectator sport. We got our exercise in running from spot to spot to get a glimpse of the athletes and offer an encouraging cheer as they ran by at various spots along the course. It was so much fun!"

Outside of athletics, Josh serves on the Notre Dame Facilities Committee, and Jennifer is a School Board member.

However, their favorite way to support Notre Dame is hosting “carb parties” for the cross country team, says Jennifer.

“The night before cross country meets, the entire team gathers for a meal hosted by different groups of parents. We have truly loved hosting these parties every year,” says Jennifer. “The cross country team is made up of genuinely kind and fun-spirited kids. Being able to feed them and watch them interact at our home has been a great joy. 

The team never ceases to amaze me in how well-mannered they are. They always help clean up and offer gratitude for our hosting them. Hosting the cross country team may be what I miss the most about our time at Notre Dame ending.” 

While the Turners say they feel their contributions to Notre Dame athletics feel small compared to those of past recipients, the award proves meaningful. 

“We have all made countless friendships that we will always cherish,” she says.