02 Broadcaster Press August 6, 2013 www.broadcasteronline.com Meet Caleb Miller By David Lias david.lias@plaintalk.net When Caleb Miller returns to Brown University at Providence, RI, this fall to continue his higher education, and is asked what he did this summer, he’ll have quite the tale to tell. The Vermillion native and 2012 graduate of Vermillion High School successfully coached the Vermillion Red 13-14 Teener baseball team to victory last Sunday, July 28, in the championship game of the 2013 South Dakota State Class A VFW 13-14 Teener Tournament, held in Prentis Park in Vermillion. Caleb, an honor student during his high school years in Vermillion, was active in VHS show choir, varsity basketball and varsity baseball. This summer he experienced the role of baseball coach for the very first time. The entire process – even if it hadn’t included a championship trophy – far exceeded Caleb’s expectations. “This is my first season ever coaching, and I had this idea that I was going to talk to them, and they were going to learn from me, and I was going to give signs over at third base, and that was going to be my job,” he said Sunday, after Vermillion Red clinched the championship. “What ended up surprising me so much is the connection – I love these kids, man. I feel like I’m best friends with every one of them. Late in the season, when stuff was happening on the field, I was feeling emotions with them because we have become so close.” It was evident that, during each game, the Vermillion Red had no better cheerleader than their coach. While at bat, Miller stood at third base, giving signals to his batters and base runners, and keeping up a constant stream of encouraging chatter. During each midinning break in action, or at each inning’s start, Miller would meet his team on the third base line as they returned to the dugout, congratulating each player for their effort, and providing encouragement to anyone who had just had a bad time in the field or in the batter’s box. There were also opportunities off the field, such as during car trips to games or practices, when the coach and his players had a chance to simply talk and get to know one another. “That’s what makes this (win) so nice,” Caleb said. “The trophy is nice, but man, I love these kids, and so it is cool to have them win this championship.” It was particularly obvious during Sunday’s championship game that the Vermillion Red received tons of support this season from more than just their coach. The grandstand and bleachers at Prentis Park were filled with parents, grandparents and friends of hometown team members, who provided a constant stream of vocal support and applause throughout the game. “All of the parents from day one embraced me,” Caleb said. “They did so much – getting kids to practice and little things like that … they were always talking to me, helping me out, picking me up and picking up their boys. “And then when they’re all in the stands, it creates a very rich support system that these guys have,” he said. “It was really nice for me as a coach to turn around and know that they (the parents) were going to say, “you’re doing a good job; everything is going alright,’ and that was really nice.” Tell them you saw it in the Broadcaster! Vermillion Public Schools OPEN HOUSE DATES KNUTSON FAMILY DENTISTRY BroadcasterOnline.com ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE Monday, August 19th Austin School 6pm-7pm Jolley School 6:30pm-7:30pm Dr. Richard Knutson Dr. Matthew Knutson Dental Excellence for Children & Adults Cosmetic • Implants General Practice •Single Visit Crowns Braces For Adults & Children •Invisalign HOURS: Caleb Miller holds a brief meeting at the dugout with his Vermillion Red 13-14 Teener baseball squad during Sunday?s championship game held at Vermillion?s Prentis Park. (Photo by David Lias) Open house for all 1st through 5th grade students. Parents and students – meet your teacher for the new school year. Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 5:30 VERMILLION MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE (6th, 7th, 8th grade) 1714 East Cherry Street, Vermillion 605.624.6291 BOB’S Monday, August 26th: 7pm-8pm Parking Lot Striping Parents and students - meet your child’s teacher and see the school building VERMILLION HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE (for Freshmen Parents only) Graduate to gracious living... Walnut Village Bring out the best in your athlete ...a refined choice for your golden years.. Senior Apartments The perfect blend of privacy and community 24 hour staff for your safety and security Schedule middle school and high school athletic physicals with a Sanford Health Vermillion Clinic provider by calling (605) 624-9111. Cost (August): $15 (cash or check only) Payable at the time of the exam. No insurance will be filed. All proceeds donated to your school’s Athletic Booster Club. Many other features included such as church services, activities, exercise class and elevator and gathering/party rooms. 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