Karns City retires No. 55
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.”
Miller was the starting offensive tackle and driving force behind the 1997 Karns City football team’s undefeated regular season and District 9 crown.
“There have been a ton of great players here,” Hazlet said. “But, in 54 years, 55 is the first guy to ever have his jersey retired. ... Brad was generational. I know this is a football community. Every football team needs a tough guy — and Brad was a kind, kind man — but Brad was a hammer.
“He was as tough as they got.”
That fortitude was evident. His given name, however, wasn’t as notable. Miller’s mother, Amy Miller, looked back on the merger between the high schools and being unfamiliar with the people around her in the bleachers.
“Parents would ask us if we had anyone playing,” Amy said. “We would say, ‘Yes, Brad Miller.’ And they would say they didn’t know him. Then we’d say, ‘Stackhouse.’ And they’d say, ‘Oh, OK, we know him.’
“Not many knew his real name.”
Brad, Hazlet said, was a culture-changer. His work didn’t go unnoticed by his peers. The coach recalls collecting captain votes in 1997.
“Everybody voted for Brad Miller,” said Hazlet, who coached Brad in every one of his high school contests. “We had a roster of 42 players and I remember having the guys come up and give us a couple of names. The other votes were split among a great group of guys. But Brad got all 42.”
McFarland first met Brad in homeroom after East Brady and Karns City High School merged. The pair played sports, roomed in college — even studying the same major — and coached together.
Brad initially played tailback as a sophomore, then slid to tight end the next year.
“He went to where he was needed,” McFarland said. “By his senior year, (he moved) to line — probably the least recognized, but most important position on the field. ... He went without a peep because he knew that’s what was best for the team.
“He wasn’t a showboater, loud talker, or pep talk guy. He did what very few supposed leaders do — but all the best ones do — which is lead by example.”
It was Hazlet who asked Brad to move up front.
“Brad was a little upset with me, but I said, ‘Listen, we need you to put what’s best for the team first,’” Hazlet said. “He said to me, ‘Coach, whatever you need.’”
Brad had the same love for the game as a coach. He attended coaching clinics, spent his weekends breaking down film, and worked out with his players.
Even as he battles his disease, he tunes into live streams, gives his input to Karns City coaches on upcoming games, and talks to college coaches on the behalf of Karns City student-athletes.
Sophomore lineman Camden Ealy sported Brad’s uniform number this past season. He’ll be the last to do so.
“No. 55, here at Karns City, nobody ever wore it like you did,” Hazlet said. “And, after tonight, nobody will ever wear it again.”
