BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County High School football standout Madden Miller signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic pursuits at Kentucky Christian University. Family, coaches, and friends joined him in a celebratory ceremony April 29 in the Martin County High School Auditorium.
Miller’s impact on the MCHS football program has been significant throughout his high school career, leading the Cardinals to a KHSAA Class 2A regional runner-up finish in his senior season.
“Madden is a huge gain for KCU,” said head coach Josh Muncy.
He praised Miller’s enduring influence on the team, stating, “Madden has been a staple in our program since he got here. It’s not every day that a football player like Madden just falls into your lap. We’ve been excited since day 1. His impact on the field is unmatched. He’s been a key player for us on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively.”
Commenting on Miller’s character and drive, Muncy quoted David Goggins: “Be uncommon amongst uncommon people.”
Muncy elaborated, “Madden really is one of those guys who is uncommon amongst uncommon people. He is extraordinary amongst extraordinary people. We had a lot of extraordinary football players this year, especially on defense. We had an awesome defense; a lot of them are sitting in this room.”
Miller’s defensive statistics are impressive: an interception, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 59 solo tackles and 90 assisted tackles, totaling 149 tackles.
“That ranks 15th in all six classes in the state of Kentucky this year and seventh in 2A in tackles,” noted Muncy, adding that those numbers would have been higher had Miller not missed his last game due to injury.
On offense, Miller finished the season with 635 rushing yards on 100 carries and scored seven touchdowns.
Replacing such a key player will be challenging, Muncy admitted, saying it would take “four or five guys” to fill Miller’s shoes.
In addition to his athletic prowess, Miller is academically accomplished with a 4.0 GPA and a 29 ACT score.
His talents extend beyond sports into the arts, as Miller is also a skilled piano player and recently showed he can act in a musical, portraying “Scar” in the school’s production of “Lion King Jr.”
Expressing gratitude, Miller said, “I would like to thank God for the countless blessings that he has given me—the biggest being my family. They’ve always been there to support me.”
He praised his mother for her support through all of life’s challenges, especially following his recent injury, and his father for his football guidance, inspiration and support.
“I’m also proud to have two awesome brothers sitting up here next to me,” said Miller. “They’ve always had my back through everything I’ve ever done. They’ve always been there for me and I know I can always count on them.”
He also thanked his girlfriend Sara for being his biggest cheerleader, Coach Muncy for accepting and teaching him, and his teammates for their support and friendship.
Miller concluded by expressing his excitement about the future: “I’m thankful for the opportunity that KCU has given me and I’m excited to spend the next four years there doing what I love.”