Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Tagg Miller, New Trier wrestling

Tagg Miller is a senior who wrestles at 157 pounds for the Trevians. He has a record of 20-3 (as of press time) and was a state qualifier his junior season.

1. Do you have any prematch rituals or superstitions?

I would think for me it’s more just pacing back and forth, talking to myself about what’s the first thing I’m going to do. And just having my teammates there before me. Usually the guy before me is pretty good and if I can see him win and do well, I get more trust in myself. It’s a domino effect for getting more momentum.

2. What are your plans for next year?

I am wrestling at North Central College. I think the coach there is a super reasonable guy. I’ve talked to him numerous time. Before the season I broke my foot and he said just because you’re injured doesn’t mean you can’t focus on getting better. I was offered to go maybe a day or so a week and work with the guys. That will help me adapt. He’s been very good at keeping me ready.

3. What is your favorite thing to do off the mat?

Go to the gym with my friends, and go get food after.

4. When did you know wrestling was your sport?

I think between sixth and seventh grade. I really started to pick up the moves better. I was just having more fun, learning very quickly. For me, it just became very fun. You get to learn something new every day, find stuff you like and get to perfect it.

5. If you were to try another sport, what would it be?

I think it would be football. Before high school, I was imagining myself playing football along with wrestling but just never came around to it. I worried about injury before wrestling. I think it would be fun to play.

6. What is your dream job?

I think it would be CFO, something with finance. That’s what I want to major in college. It’s more about cranking numbers. I find doing those repetitive actions relaxing — the habit of doing those things over and over. It’s like wrestling, going to practice and doing the same thing again and again. It’s engrained in my head. Once you know how to do it, you do it every day.

7. What is your top wrestling moment so far?

Definitely the match that made me go to state. I pinned a kid in like 25 seconds and immediately hugged my dad. He’s with me every tournament and has to deal with me during the highs and lows. I put in the work, but he puts in almost just as much effort. This is a joint effort we’ve both had together.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I think I’m buying an Arizona Half and Half (Arnold Palmer) and I’d pick up that Japanese candy Hi-Chew. I like the pineapple ones the most.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I would just say the dedication I have. It’s not necessarily to just wrestling but keeping myself active. There are almost no days I’m not out doing something. Even when I’m not wrestling or lifting, I’m out playing golf, playing basketball with friends, something.

10. What do you hope to accomplish this season?

For myself, definitely placing at state this year. That’s been my goal from the beginning of the season. For the team, since we have fewer kids, it’s been harder to win. If we can place top 50%, with the amount of guys we have, that’s pretty good compared to most teams.

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