The Allen Community College track and field program announced the signings of two of its athletes with four-year programs on Wednesday.
Sophomore Aaron Miller committed to run for Wichita State University next season.
Miller is one of the most decorated members of the Red Devil team and is the school-record holder in the 800-meter race. He was recognized as the Red Devil men’s athlete of the month for March.
“I will be able to come in and compete and score in their conference right away,” Miller said. “They won their conference indoor championship and they are projected to win outdoor. So hopefully I can come in and help them win some conference championships.”
Red Devil coach Vince DeGrado is confident that Miller can succeed at the Division-I level.
“I think the mid-major Division-I level is perfect for him,” DeGrado said. “He is going to be able to come in right away and score points in the Missouri Valley (Conference).”
DeGrado has been very pleased with the way Miller has improved during his time in the Allen program. Miller’s work ethic will be key in his success at the next level.
“Aaron realized that he was not a Division-I athlete last year,” DeGrado said. “Now he has been consistent though.”
Miller is grateful to the Allen coaching staff for all their support his time in Iola.
“Coach believed in me even through my struggles, I really struggled my freshman year,” Miller said. “I came back after the summer and got way faster and better.”
Miller’s teammate Jeremy Brittain also finalized his commitment to the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth.
Brittain — a Wichita North graduate — is a key distance runner for the Red Devils this season and figures to contribute right away for the Spire track and field program as well as the cross country team.
“They are pretty successful as a team and I think I can contribute,” Brittain said.
Alstin Benton, St. Mary assistant coach, agreed with Brittain’s assessment.
“Jeremy has a lot of potential and that is what we look for,” Benton said. “He’s someone we can bring in and keep developing… We finished as the national runner-up last year and we look to take the next step and think that Jeremy can help with that.”
Benton was a former athlete for DeGrado when he coached at Cowley College. Benton said that relationship helped assure him what type of person they were bringing into the program.
