University of Georgia Athletics
Getting To Know Georgia Cross Country Runner Ryley Miller
October 18, 2007 | Cross Country
ATHENS, Ga. --- As the postseason approaches for Georgia’s cross country teams, Bulldog fans as well as distance running enthusiasts can get to know members of UGA’s cross country teams with “Q&A” features on georgiadogs.com. The fourth installment in this series is with senior Ryley Miller.
Miller, a native of Snellville, Ga., has led his teammates during all four of Georgia’s cross country meets this season. In addition to his third-place overall finish (25:07.45) at the 8K Bulldog Stampede in Athens, Miller also led the Bulldogs at the NCAA Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind., on Oct. 13 after clocking a 24:23.5 for 80th place.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Athens?
A: The downtown/North Campus part of Athens is one of my favorite places anywhere. The amount of history and tradition in this town still amazes me.
Q: If you were not a collegiate runner, you would be competing in what sport and why?
A: Soccer, without a doubt. Ever since I was in elementary school, I have dreamed of playing professionally in the MLS and then moving overseas to play where it's appreciated a little more. I'm a little jealous of my brother - he's still following that dream.
Q: What you believe your top accomplishment so far in life is?
A: I'm not too sure. I'm not too easily satisfied. I'm getting ready for an answer to that question in the next few months.
Q: What is your favorite Southern food?
A: Well, I lived in Chicago for a while growing up, so I'm not too big on most Southern food. I guess I have a thing for biscuits and gravy.
Q: How many brothers/sisters do you have?
A: One brother, Cory, he's 19, and two sisters, Brittany and Becky. They're 13 and 11.
Q: Do you have any collegiate/professional athletes (former or current) in family?
A: My brother plays soccer for Olivet Nazarene University, my cousin Lauren played volleyball for Marist College, my cousin Nick will be a 110-meter hurdler on the SMU track team next year when the men's program returns to the school.
Q: What is your favorite musical group or solo artist?
A: Against Me! They're actually from Gainesville, Fla., but I don't hold it against them.
Q: What are your career aspirations?
A: I'd like to see how far track can take me after college. If I don't end up doing anything at the professional level, I want to be involved with the sport in some way. Coaching at the college level would be great. I haven't really found a specific use for my degree yet.
Q: What were your reasons for becoming a Bulldog?
A: When I was recruited, the program was sort of up and coming, and I wanted to be a part of that. After getting a chance to see the campus and hang out with the team, the deal was sealed. It doesn't hurt that I'm one-fourth Greek - Athens was the perfect place for me! Also, some other (Southeastern Conference) schools that I was looking at basically just blew me off, so it feels good to go out there now beat some of their best athletes.
Q: What is your major?
A: Psychology.
Q: Did you run on any high school club teams?
A: None outside of the South Gwinnett Comets!
Georgia cross country returns to action at the SEC Championships in Lexington, Ky., on Oct. 27.
For full results and meet recaps for both of Georgia’s cross country teams, please visit georgiadogs.com.
