The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
The final payoff for Miller
Wrestling is way of life for Perry graduate and four-time NCAA qualifier
Hanging up his singlet and head gear was never an option for Billy Miller.
The sport of wrestling has been ingrained since the first time he stepped on a mat, and eventually became a two-time state champion at heavyweight for Perry.
His last go-round — at least Miller thinks it will be — is March 21-23 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, the site of this year’s NCAA Division I Wrestling Tournament.
Just getting to Pittsburgh might be one of Miller’s finest feats. That’s because at the end of last season while wrestling at Edinboro, it was revealed he had a torn ACL.
Surgery was needed and a seven-month recovery ensued. That meant no time on the mat training in the summer or fall. That meant a crash-course type return to big-time college competition. Not giving it a go wasn’t an option.
Despite being in the midst of his recovery, Miller transplanted himself from Edinboro in Pennsylvania to complete his transfer to Virginia Tech. He earned his under graduate degree from Edinboro and is working toward a master’s degree in education at Virginia Tech in education. But that knee ... “I’ve got really bad arthritis in the knee,” said Miller in a recent phone interview. “My doctor says I’ve got a knee of a 70-year-old. I’m probably looking at a knee replacement one day.”
Some might have called it a career. Not Miller, a senior. He was determined to make it to Pittsburgh. By doing so, he became a four-time NCAA qualifier — no small feat for any level of college wrestling — but isn’t satisfied. Miller wants more. The goal is to go out an All-American as a top-eight finisher at heavyweight.
He begins his pursuit in the first round against a familiar opponent in Thomas Haines of Lock Haven. The two competed against each other several times when Miller was at Edinboro. While the goal is to be an All-American, Miller said this year will be different in terms of mindset.
“In the past, I wanted to be an All-American so bad that I put so much pressure on myself. And then I was so disappointed when I didn’t reach my goal,” said Miller. “I’m going to wrestle as hard as I ever had, but if I lose I’ll still be content. If that other guy can beat me, more power to him. It won’t be because I didn’t give it everything I have.”
Miller got to Pittsburgh with a third-place finish at the March 1-2 ACC Tournament. He lost a 10-9 match in the semifinals, then won two matches impressively in the consolation rounds and placed third. Miller needed that finish as the top three heavyweights at the ACC tourney qualified to the NCAAs.
“I feel confident. I feel ready,” said Miller. “I think the ACC tournament proved it. I feel I can do some damage.”
Dave Rowan — Miller’s coach at Perry — can relate to his former heavyweight’s journey back to the mat. In college, Rowan was an All-American at Edinboro as a junior — he placed fourth in 1987 at 118 pounds — but endured an injury-filled senior season. It was a tough break for Rowan as he was ranked No. 2 in the country at his weight class. He managed to qualify but couldn’t compete at the NCAA tournament because of injury. He was 108-27 in college.
“I know Billy’s knee hurts. But he knows getting (to the NCAAs) makes it all worth it,” said Rowan. “That’s what All-Americans do. They overcome those doubts and fears, and even if he doesn’t (become an AllAmerican) I’m proud of him. I know what he’s gone through.”
When Miller eventually returned to the Hokies’ lineup, he went 16-7, but in a way he felt like a freshman in his first match against Princeton.
“This sport is hard enough,” said Miller. “This injury was the hardest for me to overcome.”
What might be even more difficult is calling it a career as a wrestler. Miller wouldn’t close the door completely on competing post-college, but said he’s pretty close to Pittsburgh being his final tournament. Miller is scheduled to complete his master’s degree in 2020.
“My dream would be to come back and teach and coach at Perry,” said Miller.
Miller — arguably the greatest wrestler in the history of Perry — wants to stay connected to the sport, but as a competitor this week he plans to savor one last trip the NCAA tournament. He knows when it’s over, a major adjustment is forthcoming.
“It makes me feel sad because my entire life has revolved around wrestling,” said Miller. “I go to bed at 10:30 every night. A lot of people wouldn’t like that lifestyle, but I love it. I love the process. I love the grind.”
That’s exactly what the NCAA tournament is — a grind. Many believe the heavyweight bracket is wide open as last year’s top six finishers graduated, and that includes three-time national champion Kyle Snyder of Ohio State.
However it plays out, Miller will take pride in knowing he overcame a lot just to make it to Pittsburgh. In a sport as demanding as a college wrestling, those who have competed say it takes more than talent to succeed. Determination, grit, focus are huge, but Rowan says it goes beyond that.
“To wrestle in college, you have to be different,” he said. “Everyday, how you think, how you act, how you react … everything matters.”
Five more victories in Pittsburgh would mean an All-American finish and 100 career victories for Miller, who’s currently at 95-35. Beyond his win/loss mark, he’s shown that resolve, determination and grit by just returning to the mat.
Now he knows it’s time to be different.