Aiden Miller, donned in red and gray, sits near fellow teammates after he signed a letter of intent to play football with Western Kentucky University inside the media center at Barren County High School on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
By BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW — A Barren County High School football player has signed a letter of intent to play with Western Kentucky University.
Aiden Miller, a senior, was surrounded by friends and family Thursday morning as he put pen to paper in the media center at Barren County High. The signing was set for Wednesday – on National Signing Day – but students were not in school due to inclement weather.
Miller said he built several relationships with coaches from various schools but chose Western since it had always been a dream of his.
“They’re growing. Their football program is really growing right now,” Miller said. “I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.”
Aside from his time as a football player at BCHS, Miller has played on the school’s basketball team. He said he has always loved football, however.
Coach Tommy Muse detailed how Miller’s absence will be missed next season. Muse has served as head football coach the last two seasons.
“This is something he’s earned. He’s a great young man, works hard in the classroom and on the field and the basketball court,” Muse said. “Good example of a young man that’s very deserving of this. He’s put in the time and effort .”
Miller’s parents were also in attendance at the signing ceremony Thursday. Pride was evident between the two for their eldest child yet they spoke with a sense of humility about their son’s grit and determination.
“He’s a kid that got a job in the summer and then realized, ‘hey, in order to work out still, I’m going to have to wake up at five o’clock in the morning before I go to work,'” said Mike Miller, his father.
Aiden said he hopes to continue developing his skills as a football player. He detailed plans he often doesn’t share, which includes playing professional football someday. He has also looked into vocations such as physical therapy and agriculture.
“I’m thankful that we have a community that comes and supports him like they have today,” said Jill Miller, Aiden’s mother. “It’s been a really, really good day.”