A fantastic finish for the Creekside High School star.
Christian Miller took home the Gatorade National Boys Track & Field Player of the Year honor this week, a fantastic finish for the record-setting sprinter.
The Sunshine State standout was surprised with the prominent award surrounded by his family, coaches, and teammates at Creekside High School (St. Johns, Fla.).
Another track sensation to join the list of past winners—who boast a combined trophy case of more than 19 gold medals and 14 national championships—Miller was certainly worthy of the iconic hardware, which more than half a million other student-athletes were in the running for.
The men’s 100m at the Trials today is heating up…
Courtney Lindsey goes 9.88 Fred Kerley goes 9.89 High schoolers Christian Miller runs 9.94 ⤵️
“Christian Miller officially broke the national high school record at 100 meters this spring, but it certainly appears there’s more left in the tank based upon his performances at the Olympic Trials,” noted Rich Gonzalez, editor of PrepCalTrack.com., in a statement. “The rhythmic power he harnesses is extremely unique for a teenage sprinter. His skill set is beginning to remind folks of a one-time prep prodigy named Noah Lyles—yes, the same Noah Lyles that has since won six world championship medals. Miller’s career is going places and he’s getting there faster than any before him.”
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Miller’s achievements of the track carried just as much weight as his impressive Gold medal-worthy accolades on it, with the Georgia Bulldogs commit turrning the spotlight on his work volunteering for the River Rock Church community and coaching youth club teams.
Most impressive?
He maintained a B average in the classroom while doing all of it, from setting world records on the track to helping coach younger athletes on the St. John’s Striders track team.
“Gatorade Players of the Year are not only world-class athletes, but they’re also motivated to succeed in the classroom and be leaders in their communities,” said Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo, of Miller’s overall resume. ”Christian embodies all those qualities tenfold, and we’re proud to welcome him into the Gatorade Player of the Year family.”
The top boys track performers from across the country have been unveiled, with these 50 athletes receiving a nod on the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards watchlist.
There’s still plenty of time to send in suggestions ahead of the big event in August, when the Players of the Year will be announced — names can be submitted to both roleary@usatventures.com and BFontana@usatventures.com.
Noah Valyo — SR, Distance | Athens Drive Magnet School | Raleigh, North Carolina
Jordan Washington — SR, Sprints | Jordan High School | Long Beach, California
Anthony Waterman — SR, Hurdles | DeMatha Catholic High School | Hyattsville, Maryland
Jelani Watkins — SR, Sprints | Klein Forest High School | Klein Forest, Texas
Dyson Wicker — SR, Sprints | Rockwall-Heath High School | Heath, Texas
Dai’Vontay Young — SR, Hurdles | Dunbar High School | Dayton, Ohio
Drew Zundell — SR, Distance | University High School | Morgantown, West Virginia
From the HSSA
Nominees for both the regional and national programs are posted as they are selected. Regional nominees represent the best in their respective areas, while national nominees are recognized as the top high school athletes nationwide.
Sign up for email updates for your region or nationally to keep up with nominee selections, the awards programs and special announcements.
These 24 standouts will be honored as nominees for national Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year. The winner and three finalists will be revealed on July 31 during an on-demand broadcast. This year will feature top athletes in 29 boys and girls sports awards categories as well as special honors like Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, Rising Star and Play of the Year.
All national nominees must register to provide show information and receive important updates regarding the show. To register, click on the “REGISTER” button on the event website.
16-year-old sprint phenom Erriyon Knighton is reportedly going pro.
16-year-old sprint phenom Erriyon Knighton is going pro.
According to Track and Field News, Knighton has decided to sign with Adidas and forego his remaining high school eligibility. Knighton will no longer compete at Hillsborough High School in Florida.
“I know I can maximize to the next level,” Knighton said. “I’ve got to see what I can do. I want to win against the top athletes, but I know they’re not going to make it easy on me, so I’m going to have to train real hard.”
Knighton is currently both the sophomore national class and AAU Junior Olympic 200m record holder. Former pro sprinters and current Stellar Athletics agents Ramon Clay and John Regis will reportedly represent Knighton.
In addition to his track and field career, Knighton was also a star on the gridiron for Hillsborough as a four-star wide receiver according to 247Sports with offers from Florida, Florida State, Illinois, Iowa State, Tennessee and Toledo.
“Knowing that I grew up around football my whole life, and receiving a lot of D1 offers, it was a tough decision, but it was also a no-brainer,” Knighton said. “In track, the success of my career is fully in my hands, and I know that I can do it.”
Knighton is just the fifth high school sprinter to turn pro since 2015, but the third to do so in the last year.
“More athletes, they’re trying to make that jump early,” Adidas professional coach Gary Evans told flrunners.com. “As of right now, we’re 0-for-2 on that. So now we have the next three: Tamari [Davis], Briana [Williams] and Erriyon. I’m hoping one of these athletes can change that, that they can come straight out of high school and be pro. I’m hoping one of these next three can change the perspective.”
