By Jennifer Eisenbart
Sports Editor
Burlington High School’s Neal Miller has been just about everything his coaches could have wanted in high school.
Just ask BHS football coach Hans Block.
“Neal Miller is one of the finest young people that I have ever had the privilege to work with,” said Block. “Not only is he an outstanding high school football player and honor student, but he is one of the nicest young men you will ever meet.
“He is hardworking, intelligent and personable,” Block added.
Not to mention just a little bit talented on both the football field and the wrestling mats – and in the classroom.
Because of all those qualifications, Miller is the Southern Lakes Newspapers Outstanding Senior Male Student/Athlete.
Leave Miller’s athletic talent out of the equation for just a moment, and consider this: the valedictorian of BHS’s 2012 class, Miller had the chance to head anywhere in the state for college.
Instead, he balanced two loves – football and a desire to go into the construction field. With a chance to play lineman at UW-Stout, Miller jumped at it, and will major in construction management.
“I’m excited to get up there and see what that industry has to offer,” Miller said. “If it’s right for me, I hope that’s where I’ll end up some day.”
But Miller’s talent isn’t to be ignored. While the BHS football team has struggled to put up victories the past few years, it wasn’t because of Miller – a critical part of both the BHS O-line and D-line.
Miller was a three-year starter in football, and earned several All-Southern Lakes, All-County, All-Area and All-Region honors.
But in the winter of 2012, where Miller was in his second year as starter at heavyweight for the Demons, he was part of am unprecedented run that took BHS to the WIAA Division 1 state team tournament.
The Demons also posted a stellar GPA as a team, led by Miller’s mark as valedictorian.
For all of the academic achievements, though, Miller knows he has had success to enjoy.
“Athletics have always been really special to me … something I really enjoy doing,” he said. “The athletic achievements were more important to me, more special.
“You just gotta work hard and set your goals and not let anyone tell you you can’t do it.”
Finalists
Abel Wagner, Catholic Central High School: A three-sport athlete at CCHS, Wagner played all three at a strong level.
He helped the Hilltoppers to a fourth consecutive WIAA Division 7 state semifinal, and also helped the baseball team make the sectional semifinals.
Tony Sustachek, Waterford Union High School: While Sustachek was a standout cross country runner in the fall, it was in track that he made his mark this spring, setting the school record several times in the 800-meter run and winning a medal at state. He also helped the 4×800 relay set a new school record at state and finish fifth.
Sustachek, along with his twin brother Kurt, is headed to UW-Milwaukee to continue his running career.
Brett Van Vreede, Union Grove Union High School: Van Vreede was a three-sport athlete for the Broncos, but his strongest suit was basketball.
The senior was a first-team All-SLC and All-Area pick, averaging 14.4 points per game and four rebounds per game – leading the Broncos in both categories. He also averaged 1.5 assists per game and a steal each contest as well.
Other nominees
Paul Lloyd, Catholic Central High School; Turner Albrecht, Union Grove Union High School; Dylan Dessart, Waterford Union High School; Derek Gill, Burlington High School.
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