04muskie
05-02-2008, 10:48 AM
I am a proud alum from the Class of 2004 and currently I am a Guidance Counselor at a local Catholic High School. Yesterday we celebrated our annual Awards Assembly to honor students for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom. While brainstorming for a guest speaker at this assembly, Coach Miller instantly came to mind. Although it was probably a long shot due to his busy schedule, I attempted to contact and invite Coach Miller to be our guest ...and without hesitation, he accepted. I can honestly say, I have never been more proud to be a Xavier Musketeer than I was yesterday. You could hear a pin drop in our gymnasium. The students hung on to every word that he said and the teachers complimented all day about Coach Miller being "the best speaker we've had in years." He spoke to our students on their level. He told the crowd, "A Catholic education is second to none. You will have a gift for the rest of your life." Miller stressed the importance of achievement in the classroom and gave his five key elements to success: ( 1) work ethic, (2) dealing with adversity, (3) determination, (4) humility, and (5) combating peer pressure. It's people like Coach Miller who make our university a special and unique place. Yesterday was his first "official" day off of recruiting yet he chose to give of his time and share his words of wisdom with our students. I have no doubts he touched each of our students in some way and they will take at least a part of his speech with them as they travel through life. I know I will. Sean Miller is one of the most respected coaches in college basketball -- but he is more than just a coach and I witnessed it yesterday.