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Brendan Miller Signs To Play Football For Gannon (04/30/16)

(Photo by Clarion Coach Larry Wiser) L-R: father Scott (Scooter) Miller, brother Spencer Miller, Brendan Miller, mother Laura Miller

Clarion Area High School senior Brendan “Bo” Miller, son of Scott and Laura Miller of Clarion, recently signed to play for the  Gannon University Golden Knights.

He will continue his academic and athletic career at the NCAA Division II school, in Erie,which is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The Golden Knights, which finished 3-4 in the conference and 6-5 overall, in 2015, is under the leadership of head coach Brad Rzyczycki. They play their home games at the 2250 seat McConnell Family Stadium.

Brendan’s academic excellence is helping to make this all possible. Brendan was one of only seven incoming freshmen selected to receive Gannon’s Presidential Scholarship, the school’s biggest an most prestigious one. This excellent academic scholarship will provide for Brendan’s full tuition for four years.

Brendan’s parents shared how a setback in his high school football career led to his  receiving this fine honor: “Brendan was selected by a committee of Gannon faculty after a presentation and interview process where he spoke about his interest in becoming a physician assistant after tearing his A.C.L. during his junior year of football.
Brendan is enrolled in the 5 year physician assistant program. Only 58 seats are available for each class.”

Brendan shared about his time at Clarion and about his future at Gannon: “I’ve enjoyed my time playing football for Clarion. I’m definitely going to miss all the friends and teammates I have here, and the coaches. It’ll be different not playing with them, or having my dad as a coach, but I’ll adjust. My favorite year was my sophomore year when we went to the state semifinals.

“Next year I’ll be playing safety for Gannon and will most likely redshirt my freshman year. I’m in their 5 year Physician Assistant program, so I’ll come out with my masters as a PA. For a while I thought I was going to St. Vincent College in Latrobe. I liked the campus and especially the coaches. However, my decision came down to what is best financially for me.

“In January, I went to Gannon to compete for an academic full tuition scholarship. I ended up receiving it, which made it very hard for other schools to compete with. St. Vincent had a chance to come close, but they didn’t. I committed to Gannon on April 9th, and have started their workout programs. Even though they weren’t my first choice, I’m still really glad about my decision.”

Brendan shared his appreciation for some of those who helped him to get to where he is today, “I’d like to thank my family; my parents, Scott and Laura, my grandparents, Joe and Jayne Soney, My brother Spencer and everyone else that came to my games to support me.

“I’d also like to thank my coaches and teammates for pushing me to become a better football player and athlete. Dr. Armstrong, Angie Snowberger and Devin Skinner helped me a ton after I tore my A.C.L., so I want to thank them too.”

Clarion area head coach, Larry Wiser had this to say about Brendan, “Gannon is not only getting a good football player,but also a good student and leader. Brendan will represent Clarion Area well both academically and athletically.”

(CONGRATULATION BRENDAN!!!!)

Following is a list of many of Brendan’s academic, community and football accomplishments:

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

President of Student Council
National Honor Society
Concert and Jazz Band (Trombone)
Choir and Show Choir
High School Musicals
TAG
Math Team
Part-Time Job (McDonald’s)
Volunteer at Golden Living Center

FOOTBALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Free Safety and Quarterback
Senior Year Stats (11 games):

Defense
85 tackles
1 fumble cause, 3 recoveries
5 INT
29 return yards
10 pass breakups
Honorable Mention All-KSAC DB
1st Team Tri-County Sunday/Courier Express Team
Offense
49 carries
225 yards
3 TD
34/117 Passing
416 yards
6 TD
5 INT

Junior Year Stats (4 games):

Defense
15 tackles
1 INT
51 return yards (returned for TD)
Offense
14 carries
136 yards
3 TD
14/24 Passing
279 yards
5 TD
1 INT

Sophomore Year Stats (14 games):

Defense
68 tackles (+ 1 sack)
8 INT
155 return yards
2 blocked punts
1 Kickoff Return for TD
2nd Team Pennsylvania Football News All-State Team
2nd Team WesternPAFootball.Net Class-A All-West Team (Defensive Back)
1st Team Tri-County Sunday/Courier Express Team

Brendan’s final school choices besides Gannon were St Vincent, Westminster, Allegheny, Mercyhurst.