Miller 23rd in state (02/28/2009)

INDIANAPOLIS - Entering as the 31st seed, Sam Miller knew a top-16 finish and a chance to swim Saturday was a long shot. But he made a nice run at it.

Miller, a Jay County High School senior, bettered his school record in the 200-yard freestyle by more than a second and finished 23rd in the state in the IHSAA Boys Swimming and Diving State Finals Friday at the IU Natatorium.

"He was very excited, very happy that it ended up that way," said JCHS coach Barry Weaver. "He went out after it, went strong.

"He had a great swim."

South Adams' Justin Klopp qualified for today's action in both of his events. He will swim in the state championship race in the 100 butterfly (seventh) and the consolation race in the 100 freestyle (ninth).

The top 16 swimmers in each event advanced to swim today.

Miller swam the first of four heats in the 200 freestyle and led the field after the first 50 meters. He eventually finished third in the race in 1-minute, 46.81 seconds, improving on his own school record of 1:48.26 set in the sectional meet.

"It's outstanding," said Weaver. "He was very nervous when we got here ... the first time at this swim meet. When you come to the state high school meet it's kind of overwhelming. But he got himself into swimming mode, had a great warm-up and just was positive all the way through.

"I think he felt like he left everything in the pool."

Bob Morrison held the previous Jay County school record in the 200 freestyle at 1:48.72. Morrison was the state champion in the 50 and 100 freestyles in 1985.

Miller also holds Patriot school records in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly.[[In-content Ad]]