Miller back coaching Fairfield?s high school wrestling team

Four years ago, Steve Miller was asked to jump-start the middle school wrestling program.

He did just that, but missed the intensity from the seven years he spent as an assistant coach in the high school wrestling room. Miller will now get that back as he takes over the head coaching position at FHS.

?I love the competition and the intensity level, and that?s what you get at the high school,? Miller said. ?At all levels it?s about personal achievement, but in high school you?re keeping a score, and I?m someone who thrives on winning.?

Pending approval from the Fairfield Community School District Board of Directors at its July 11 meeting, Miller will take over for Bob Glenn, who resigned after leading the Trojans for one season.

Miller, a 1996 graduate of FHS, was a volunteer assistant for seven years under former head coach Jeff Courtright ? now the Fairfield Activities Director who offered Miller the job Wednesday. The experience as a wrestler himself and as a coach familiar with the program will pay dividends as he begins to meet with his team over the next few months.

Along with leading young men on the mat, he also has an understanding of doing the same thing off the mat.

?Wrestling is a sport that gives a lot of life lessons, and it?s very unique in the individual aspect,? said Miller. ?It?s more than just winning and losing. Everyone is held accountable for their actions, and I?m going to expect a lot, but hope to give a lot in return.?

Fairfield has put wrestlers on the medal stand at the state tournament each of the past two seasons including top-three finishes in February. Miller now has lofty goals to not only match that success, but move the bar a little higher.

?The ultimate goal is win state championships, and that?s what we?re going to try to do from the youth program all the way up to the high school,? he said. ?I?m looking forward to the challenge.?