Printer Friendly Version - Miller Feels Excited to be Leading Branford Boys’ Track

CJ Miller is doing a nice job of motivating his teammates as a senior captain for the Hornets’ boys’ indoor track squad this winter. CJ has also qualified for states in three events, including the 600-meter run. Photo courtesy of CJ Miller

CJ Miller stepped up as a leader for the Branford boys’ indoor track squad last year, and he’s continuing to lead the Hornets in his senior season this winter. The only difference is that CJ is now one of Branford’s captains and is leading the team alongside fellow seniors Kadir Sahin and Sean Torres. CJ was excited to earn the title and enjoys working with Sahin and Torres.

“It was a really good moment when I heard I was being named a captain,” says CJ. “I was happy I was captains with Kadir and Sean. The three of us worked well together and thought this year would be a big year for indoor track.”

Branford boys’ indoor track Head Coach Rich Biondi was impressed with how CJ took on a leadership role with the Hornets as a junior. Biondi has been coaching CJ in some capacity since the 5th grade, and so he wasn’t surprised with his initiative. Now, Biondi says that CJ is doing an excellent job of leading the team and an equally excellent job on the track.

“CJ emerged last year as a leader. Because he’s well-liked and respectful, it’s not a shock the kids voted him a captain for this indoor season,” says Biondi. “He’s really taken off in terms of his leadership and abilities in track and field. He’s worked really hard in the weight room and has qualified for states in multiple events and relays. He’s come a long way, and I attribute that to his dedication to working out in the weight room. He’s gotten so much stronger, and it has paid off this season.”

CJ has already qualified for the Class M State Championship in the 600-meter run, the 4x200 relay, and the 1,600 sprint medley relay (SMR) this year. He recently finished third in the 300-meter dash at the SCC Novice Meet with a time of 39.97 seconds and also ran on Branford’s first-place 4x400 relay that posted a time of 3:57.23 at the meet.

“I chose those events because I enjoy sprinting, and I use my speed to my advantage. I enjoy running and giving everything I have. With the crowd cheering, it’s always a good moment,” CJ says. “The SMR is my favorite, because I believe we can be No. 1 in the state. We have the guys to do it, but we have to put in the work. At the end of the day, I think we will be first in the state.”

CJ is also a member of the Hornets’ baseball program in the spring. Last summer, he saw time for Branford’s Senior and Junior American Legion Post 83 baseball teams. CJ has been an infielder for years and primarily plays second base, third base, or shortstop, although he has the ability to play any position if called upon.

“I’ve played everywhere. This summer, I was even playing outfield and pitching. I can play wherever I’m needed to play,” says CJ. “I think that’s a big part of my game. My dad, when I was younger...he taught me how to play everywhere.”