SCHOLAR ATHLETES: Miller ready to step in where necessary for Cowboys

Grandfalls-Royalty athletic director Brad Repass described Chris Miller as his all-time favorite athlete to coach.

Miller stood out as a multi-sport athlete and well-rounded student, leading to his standing in the top 20% of Grandfalls-Royalty High School’s Class of 2022.

“He really is just a great kid,” Repass said. “A natural competitor and because of the size of our school, he’s an iron man.”

During his senior football season, various factors (COVID, injuries) led the Cowboys to suit up six or seven players.

Miller would almost never come off the field, thriving to the tune of 1,218 rushing yards, 266 receiving yards and 379 passing yards.

He also recorded 58 tackles, three interceptions and two fumbles recoveries.

The tenacity Miller displayed in athletics carried over to the classroom and extracurricular activities, helping him become a state qualifier for UIL academics in current events as a senior.

At the same time he was preparing for state in academics, Miller became a regional qualifier in tennis and participated in his school’s UIL One Act play.

“What it really says to me is the kid knows how to manage his time,” Repass said.

Miller emphasized coursework through his high school career, sometimes sacrificing free time to make sure he was giving 100% effort to his activities.

After taking dual-credit classes through Odessa College and sharpening his time management skills, Miller feels prepared for the challenges he’ll face when he starts college next fall.

“Depending on how you work toward certain things, you’ll reap what you sow,” Miller said.

He plans on majoring in Kinesiology at Tarleton State, choosing the university because he was fond of the campus and has family ties in the city of Stephenville.

One of Miller’s goals for the future includes living a lifestyle that allows him to help others.

He wants to achieve that through physical therapy, hoping to make experiences for patients more pleasant than an ordinary doctor’s visit.

By stepping up in leadership positions through sports, Miller learned that he wanted to help people as much as he could when he got the chance.

“As a leader, I’m able to talk to all my teammates in a different way and it allowed me to help them,” Miller said. “I realized that doing that is the most fulfilling thing that you could do in your life.

“That’s when I decided I needed to live my life like that going forward.”

Repass has high expectations for Miller at the next phase of his life and he anticipates Miller attaining every goal he sets.

The athletic director also got to see how Miller carried himself on the basketball court, where he followed the same mentality that carried him through football.

“Whatever goal he sets his sights on, he will endure and attain those goals,” Repass said. “I’ve watched him for the past year and aside from being a pretty talented athlete, he’s all heart and determination.

“I wouldn’t bet against Chris Miller on anything.”

In his time at Grandfalls-Royalty, Miller was able to create various memories as an athlete.

Some of his favorites include securing an upset victory over Van Horn in football and defeating Iraan in basketball in a 4-on-5 situation in overtime this year.

When Miller starts his first semester at Tarleton State, he’ll look to try out for some of the university’s athletic programs.

If that doesn’t pan out, he plans on trying out for club and intramural teams on campus.

“I still love these games and I want to continue to experience that throughout my life,” Miller said.

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