Support blesses Fitch’s Miller

By Mark w. Miller

The Austintown wrestler has plenty weighing on his mind.

AUSTINTOWN — The 16th Josh Hephner Memorial wrestling tournament showcases the support for the participants of parents and fans alike.

Chris Miller, Fitch High School’s 215-pound wrestler who lost the championship to Marysville’s Nate Weeks by an 8-2 score, has had to overcome a lot of personal problems, including some injuries. Miller (27-4) worked his way through pool and bracket competition to earn the title berth.

“I watched Weeks during some early matches in the tournament and knew that he was going to be a tough wrestler,” Miller said.

A varsity performer for four years, Miller placed eighth at the Hephner as a freshman, second as a sophomore and third last year. He also played varsity football four years for the Falcons, earning three letters.

His mother, Lori Miller, who comes to almost every one of his matches, is a recovering cancer patient, who is still quite sick with other problems.

“That’s my boy out there wrestling,” she said. “When he started wrestling, he was a little twig, small, scrawny, awkward and shy. But over the years, he has become a very courageous, confident, competent man with a big heart.

“I have been blessed with a son who is perfect in almost every way. He has a big heart and a great sense of humor. I cry at his matches. It’s a joy to see him win.”

Mrs. Miller has managed to take in almost all of her son’s matches.

“My mother is a die-hard fan and she has come to every one of my matches but two in the past six years,” Chris said.

“I like wrestling because it comes down to me,” he said. “I rely on myself. If it’s pressure it’s on me. If I win it’s because of me; if I lose it’s because of me.

“I think Fitch has one of its best teams in recent years and if we come together and show our potential, we can be tough,” he said.

“Coach [Brett] Powell is a good guy. He’s funny, but expects a lot of us,” he said. “If we aren’t wrestling to our potential, he lets us know and if we are doing well he tells us. Coach Powell and Coach John Burd have taught me just about everything I know about wrestling.”

In his 24th season as a Fitch coach, Powell said, “Miller is an over-achiever, a big, strong athletic kid who works hard at being a good wrestler and football player.

“His hard work has put him at the next level. He’s a four-year starter that has progressively gotten better each year. He’s a good-hearted kid who is trustworthy and good to have on your teams.”

Lori Miller said, “Coaches Powell and Burd have taken my son and have done wonders with him. I couldn’t ask for better coaches.”

Chris says he plans to attend college and is considering Mount Union and Notre Dame.

miller@vindy.com