KC retires No. 55: Brad Miller still helps football program while battling ALS
KARNS CITY — During his days on the gridiron, Brad Miller was known more for his influence and selfless nature than his given name.
The 1998 Karns City graduate is the only Gremlin to have his jersey number retired at the high school to which he’s given his all.
Affectionately nicknamed “Stackhouse,” Miller watched from home as the school held a ceremony to honor his contributions prior to Karns City’s decisive boys basketball win Friday night over visiting the Cranberry High School team. Nearly 30 of his former teammates filed in to be part of the festivities.
“Due to the progression of my ALS condition, I am not able to attend the ceremony, but know there is no other place I would rather be than in the gym to be there and see everyone,” Miller wrote in a letter read aloud by his friend, Jake Dailey. “This is an unbelievable honor that I’m extremely humbled and grateful to receive, and I want to thank everyone involved in the decision and process.”
Dailey was one of six speakers for the occasion. The others were Karns City athletic director Josh Williams; T.J. McFarland, a longtime friend of Miller’s; former Gremlins football coach Lon Hazlet; superintendent Eric Ritzert; and school board president Josh Price.
As retiring the number was considered, there were worries about setting a precedent where other star players would contend their jerseys deserve to be hung up, too.
“Very few have led a life of service to this community the way that Brad has,” McFarland reasoned. “You see, Stack doesn’t just work here, he pours — still to this day — his heart and soul into this district and its students and athletes.”
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