Former Vindicator reporter Mark Miller receives honor

special to the vindicator

COLUMBUS — Former Vindicator sports writer Mark Miller was among those recently honored by the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches at their annual Hall of Fame banquet.

The honored individuals were from District One which includes Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull, and Ashtabula counties.

Miller, who retired in February 2009, received the Distinguished Service Award. This award honors individuals who have contributed to cross country and track & field in a non-coaching capacity. A sports writer for 53 years, Miller said he will cherish the memories of writing about and getting to know the many outstanding athletes, officials, and community supporters of area sports.

Howland’s Dan Libert was honored as girls track coach of the year. Libert guided the last year’s team to the All-America Conference Red Tier championship, along with the Trumbull County title.

Lakeview coach Mark Swinning was honored as boys track coach of the year. Swinning led the Bulldogs to district and regional titles along with finishing as runner-up in the Division II state meet.

Maplewood’s Jillian Walters was named girls cross country coach of the year. Walters led the Rockets to county, district and regional titles, finishing fourth in the Division III state meet.

Maplewood’s Ted Rupe was named boys cross country coach of the year. He led the Rockets to a district title and a fourth-place finish at the Div. III state meet. It was the 20th straight state meet appearance under Rupe.