Austin Miller Vaults to Victory

By Neil McLaughlin, Guest Writer

Photo contributed by Elijah Cole.

Austin Miller, a 2012 graduate of Herndon High School and a 2016 graduate of High Point University, captured the USA Track and Field National Championship title in the pole vault. He will represent Team USA at the World Championships in Japan later this month.

Miller’s athletic journey began at Herndon High, where he was a versatile athlete balancing both track and lacrosse. Thanks to the collaboration of his track coach Peter Sherry and lacrosse coach Dave Baggetta, he was able to pursue both sports simultaneously. Under the guidance of coaches Dick Daily and Jim Keys, he began to specialize in pole vaulting. After Miller cleared 17 feet, Keys told him he had the potential to one day reach 19 feet, a prediction that came true.

From left to right: Matt Ludwig (tied 2nd place), Coach Scott Houston, Austin Miller (1st place), Sam Kendricks (tied 2nd place). Photo contributed by Elijah Cole.

At High Point University, Miller continued to thrive under the mentorship of Scott Houston, a former national champion pole vaulter, and Earl Bell, who helped foster both his physical and emotional development. Houston described Miller’s steady rise as the result of being “consistent, persistent, and constant” in training. Miller became known as a true student of the sport, learning from mistakes and improving year after year.

Miller credits his perseverance to the unwavering support of his parents, Troy and Anita Miller, his coaches, and his friends, many of whom told him they lived vicariously through his athletic achievements. That encouragement carried him through times when others might have urged him to “get a real job.”

At the National Championships, Miller secured the title with a personal-best vault of 19 feet, 5 inches. The competition was exceptionally deep—four vaulters cleared 19 feet, 1 inch, making it one of the tightest fields in the world. When Miller cleared the higher mark and the others were unable to match him, he realized he had won the national championship.

To watch Miller compete for pole vault qualification, tune in to NBC/Peacock during the Day 1 evening lineup on September 13.