The University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has named GHS’ Rick Miller as the 2021 State Coach of the Year for Boys’ Cross Country.
Coach Miller, who teaches high school English, including AP classes, has served as the GHS cross country coach since 2012, and under his leadership this past Saturday, November 5, the team won the state championship for the third consecutive year.
“This is a program award and reflects the consistent hard work of our student-athletes and coaching staff,” said Miller. “Our athletes set the bar high and make a serious commitment to their goals. They work together daily and maintain a focus that is uncommon among teenagers. Their voluntary cooperation and concentration for the good of the team is what makes them special. It is an honor and a privilege to coach our great student-athletes at Grapevine High School.”
According to UIL, recipients of this award reflect excellent coaching abilities on and off the athletic area and Miller’s “service has not gone unnoticed.”
A teacher in Texas public schools for 39 years, Coach Miller has been recognized with numerous awards:
- U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s Texas High School Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year, 2021
- El Paso’s Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2021
- Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas’ Boys Coach of the Year, 2019, 2020, & 2021
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Boys Cross Country Coach-of-the-Year, 2017
- Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas’ Girls Coach of the Year, 2015 & 2020
- Grapevine High School’s UIL-Sponsor Excellence Award Nominee, 2013 & 2018
- Grapevine High School’s Student Council Teacher of the Year, 2011-2012
- Bel Air High School’s UIL-Sponsor Excellence Award Nominee, 1999
- El Paso Times’ Baseball Coach of the Year, 1995 & 1999
Congratulations to Coach Miller.
GHS' Rick Miller is Named State Cross Country Coach of the Year
July 13, 2023