Weisbrod: Miller makes mark for Titans

Last modified: Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:37 AM CST

Weisbrod: Miller makes mark for Titans

By JON WEISBROD mailto:jon.weisbrod@lee.net

Brian Miller is getting his kicks in college.

The Chi-Hi graduate and current sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh was an integral part of the men’s soccer team this past fall.

The Titans — who made it to the third round of the NCAA Division III tournament, finishing with a 17-3-1 record — relied on the former Cardinal for some key goals throughout the season.

Miller, who played in all 21 games, netted six goals, four of which were game-winners. He also finished the season with five assists.

The mid-fielder was a four-year starter, two-time captain and All-Big Rivers Conference selection at Chi-Hi. As a senior, led the Cardinals to their first WIAA Division I state tournament appearance.

Luke Smith has already made a name for himself at Division I Central Michigan.

The Chi-Hi graduate and current senior on the Chippewa’s wrestling team, Smith was recently named the Mid-American Conference Wrestler of the Week.

Smith posted a 4-0 record as CMU won all four of its matches at the Northeast Duals Nov. 24. Among Smith’s four victories were a pair of major decisions and fall in just 11 seconds, the third-fastest fall in school history.

Smith earns the conference’s weekly honor for the third time in his career. He is currently ranked 13th nationally at 125 pounds in the National Wrestling Coaches Association/InterMat poll.

Smith has already won consecutive MAC titles and qualified for the national tournament twice.

CMU (4-0) is ranked seventh in the nation.

In high school, Smith was a two-time state champion. He also finished second at the High School Senior Nationals and Junior Nationals in Greco-style wrestling. He finished his high school career with a 117-2 record.

Lawrence University senior Russell Geisthardt, formerly of Bloomer High School, was recently honored by the Midwest Conference for academic excellence.

Geisthardt, a cross-country and track and field athlete for the Vikings, was presented with the LeClere Award, given to male student-athlete with the highest grade-point-average in the conference who lettered in at least two varsity sports.

Geisthardt is Physics major with a 3.8 GPA. He is the first ever Lawrence University athlete to receive the award.

He has been been named MWC Academic All-Conference team every semester he became eligible in 2005.In 2007, he finished third on his team at the MWC championships. He competes in several distance events for the indoor and outdoor track team.