Miller fired up to be at The Q

Billy Miller walked onto the mats at Quicken Loans Arena March 14 with wrestlers abounding.

The Perry grad had just finished lunch and wasn’t in his practice garb. His workout was completed before lunch.

“I don’t have a drilling partner my size,” said the Edinboro heavyweight.

That did nothing to dampen the spirits of Miller. The redshirt junior is now a three-time NCAA Division I qualifier at heavyweight, but this one is different. Miller is back home in Cleveland, and he

and he can’t wait to try to make a run in the tournament this time around.

“This environment is awesome,” said Miller. “When I found out (the NCAA tournament) was in Cleveland, I was pumped. It’s a hometown feel. I’ve got a lot of people coming. I’m excited.”

Those in attendance to watch Miller included his parents, other family members, Perry coach Dave Rowan and more. He’s hoping to put on a good show for them, and the Cleveland crowd.

“I want to get to the round of 12, All-American part of the tournament,” said Miller. “I’m going to fight, do my absolute best to get there. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t’ happen, but I’m going to do my absolute best. “

Miller (16-4) is the No. 13 at heavyweight, and is matched with Purdue freshman Shawn Streck (28-13).

Their bout is set for about 1 p.m. on March 15. Miller and Streck did not wrestle this season, one in which Miller missed about a month with an injured rib.

A second straight Eastern Wrestling League title over rival Thomas Haines of Lock Haven in the heavyweight final two weeks ago was a boost for Miller’s seeding.

The magnitude of his 4-2 win showed up in the bracket. Haines, the No. 15 seed, was placed in the bottom half of the bracket, and if he wins his first match, he will likely face No. 2 seed Adam Coon of Michigan.

“I really hoped to get a fairly high seed because if you’re a low, you’re getting a pretty tough guy in the first round. The goal is to get as many wins as you can before you lose to avoid so many wrestle backs.

“(Winning the EWL) meant a lot. Me and Haines go back and forth. It was a tough match, and I’m telling you I wasn’t about to give up in that match. I really wanted it. I told myself, ‘I’m not losing.’ It meant a lot.

“I needed that win to bump my seeding up. That was my last match against a nationally ranked guy before nationals. It helped me. My second straight (conference title), and my third time here.”

Miller isn’t the only area wrestler competing at The Q this weekend. Lake Catholic graduate Anthony Tutolo of Kent State is a national qualifier.

The 133-pounder’s firstround match is against 15th seeded Ali Naser of Arizona State.

Tutolo is unseeded.