Defending NEC High Jump Champ Aiming for Another Conference Crown

By Christian McFadden

Saint Francis senior Nicholas Miller captured the 2016 NEC outdoor title in the high jump last spring, edging out teammate Nicholas Conway by clearing 2.02 meters at the conference finals.

This weekend, Miller has his eyes focused on a 2017 NEC indoor crown in this event. The Red Flash men’s and women’s track and field teams will compete at the NEC indoor finals, Feb. 17-18, on Staten Island.

“I have a chance to redeem my title,” said Miller. “With the work I put in on my jumps and my technique, I believe I can do it again.”

Miller will face stiff competition this weekend from teammate Nicholas McKnight and Farleigh Dickinson’s Emmanuel Atilola.

“The competition has been great so far,” said Miller. “The better the competition, the better I perform. Having Nicholas McKnight here helps me compete not only at track meets, but in practice.”

Red Flash head track and field coach Doug Hoover believes Miller has a great shot at winning another NEC high jump title.

“With Coach (Chene) Townsend’s training and Nicholas’ experience with the event, there is no doubt in my mind he will get the job done.”

The championship meet will be conducted at Ocean Breeze Park Track & Field.

Miller will compete in the high jump on Saturday morning.