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.
























