Miller takes reins of NHS track-and-field program

Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Nevada freshman Calli Beshore (left) leads the pack during a middle school event last year in Nevada. Beshore is a key incoming addition to Nevada's track-and-field program. (File photo)

It has been 18 years since the Nevada High School track-and-field program experienced a change at the top. Enter Kirk Miller, who was handed the keys to the program after longtime coach Robert Watts retired in May.

"I am very excited to be selected as the NHS track coach," Miller told the Daily Mail. "I think we have a great new staff that brings a fresh approach to the way things will be done in the future as it relates to Nevada track-and-field."

Miller continued: "One area that I feel as though could use improvement is our adaptation for change. Change is good but sometimes challenging. Our kids are adapting well. We have implemented some new and innovative ideas that might be a little tougher than in the past."

Miller has 20-plus years of coaching experience.

"I have had the privilege of coaching in some elite track-and-field programs," he said. "My expectations are very high for our athletes. We know that if we set high goals for them, they will respond with high-level performance."

A key addition to the track program is freshman Calli Beshore, who netted multiple first-place finishes during Nevada's fall cross country season.

"I think our team this year will be built around our distance department," Miller said, alluding to NHS cross country runners as one of his squad's greatest strengths.

Robert Watts son, Ryan, guided Nevada to one of its best cross country seasons in recent memory. Ryan is an assistant coach on the track-and-field team.

"We have some very talented distance runners," Miller noted. "Ryan did a great job with our cross country program last fall and kept his athletes in great shape through the winter."

With the season just around the corner, Miller said he has a blueprint in place to keep his squad well-conditioned and in tip-top shape.

"We have spent a great deal of time planning and preparing great workouts and drills for our athletes so they can achieve at a high level," he said. "Our mission is to create a program at Nevada that celebrates the success of the individual while also focusing on the aspect of 'team' in track-and-field."

Miller said this year's team features plenty of returning experience.

"We have a strong group of seniors," he said. "The girls have some great senior leadership in the distance area. Our boys' senior leadership is more geared toward the throwing events. We also have some great up-and-comers, especially in the girls' sophomore class."

Miller said the numbers so far are excellent, with 75 student-athletes coming out for the team ---- split fairly evenly between boys and girls.

Track upgrades

Nevada High School has significantly upgraded its track, with most of the renovations taking place last year.

Miller detailed those upgrades.

"There are many new updates, starting with a brand new eight-lane all purpose track," he said. "We have also renovated the track-and-field building with new paint, and we have a brand new sign coming soon."

Miller said the school's maintenance department, under the direction of Hal Carpenter, worked "extensively to totally remodel our throwing venues." Miller added, "We are excited about the new upgrades and our athletes have appreciated them."

Nevada opens its season March 23 in Butler.

"Coach (Robert) Watts' shoes will be hard to fill," Miller concluded.

An updated edition of this article will appear in the Daily Mail's (Spring) sports preview section, available April 1

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