Drew Miller Named February Student-Athlete of the Month

Drew Miller, a junior on the Portland High School wrestling team, has been selected as the Portland Beacon and J-Dubb’s Signature Subs Student-Athlete of the month for February 2022.

In his nomination, PHS wrestling coach Andy Pulling said, “Drew Miller is currently a Junior with a 3.975 GPA and wrestles for Portland High School with a record of 40-11. Drew qualified for individual state finals for the second year in a row and is vying for a state championship. Drew is a reliable and hard working person who prioritizes academics over athletics yet excels in both. Drew also finds a way to power through opponents in matches but also supports teammates in and out of our practice room.”

In the state finals at Ford Field, Miller eliminated in the consolation rounds on Friday after hard fought losses.

Miller was also a stand-out running back on the state semi-finalist Portland football team this fall.

To be nominated for this award, a student-athlete must attend either Portland High School or St. Patrick School, and be a member of a varsity sports program or school-sponsored athletic club at his/her school. Nominations may be made by a member of their high school coaching staff, athletic director, principal, or a school recognized student government organization at his/her school. Nominations are also accepted from The Portland Beacon contributing writers.

The monthly winner is selected by a panel of Beacon contributors. The winner receives a free sub thanks to our sponsor, J-Dubb’s Signature Subs.

Monthly winners are entered into the student-athlete of the year contest. The winner for the year receives a party platter from J-Dubb’s Signature Subs.

Other talented local athletes nominated for February are:

Abigail Weller – SPS Bowling

Athletic Director Patrick Russman said, “On Friday (2/25) she helped the Girls Bowling team win the Regional Championship. Saturday (2/26) she won the Individual Regional Championship on Saturday in Girls Bowling.” Bowling Coach Madison Mackowiak said, “Abigail Weller shows great leadership being our anchor bowler this year. She is one of the most determined athletes I have coached. She has always been a hard worker and it definitely paid off this past weekend when she was the girls regional champion!” Principal Randy Hodge added, “She finished in first place with the next closest competitor finishing 74 pins back and our girls regional champion team beat the next closest team by 313 pins.”

Catherine Svanda – PHS Cheer

Nominated by PHS Cheer Coach Mindy Blashka. Blashka said the team “won Districts, Qualified for States by finishing 2nd at Regionals. First State finals trip and we finished 6th in the state.” Catherine is also involved with Student Council, NHS, Captain Club, BIONIC and YAC.

Adrienne Hinds – PHS Cheer

Nominated by PHS Cheer Coach Mindy Blashka. Blashka said the team “won Districts, Qualified for States by finishing 2nd at Regionals. First State finals trip and we finished 6th in the state.”

Courtesy photo of Miller at MHSAA finals at Ford Field.