Miller falls in national 174-pound final
Brian ManzulloST. LOUIS - Mike Miller continued to fight for his first takedown until the last seconds, but it was not enough to defeat Michigan's Steve Luke for a national championship Saturday.
The sophomore 174-pounder lost 8-4 after he earned four points off of escapes but never scored a takedown.
"He was better technically than I was out there," Miller said. "He held a better position and I was never able to get my offense going."
Miller gave up two takedowns in the first period, but was able to escape from both to make the score 4-2 heading into the second period.
Miller began the second period in the down position and scored another escape to bring the score within one. Luke would get another takedown to put the match out of reach.
The win completed the perfect season for the Luke, a fifth-year senior. Luke went 32-0.
After the match, Miller shook Luke's hand and took his spot on the podium to accept his second All-America honors.
"I am not satisfied with the way I wrestled," Miller said. "But I am satisfied with my mental attitude. I went out there and wrestled my heart out."
Check Monday's edition of Central Michigan Life for extended coverage of Miller's match and the rest of the wrestling team's performance at the NCAA national championships.
