ROCKINGHAM — The first half of the Richmond Observer’s Top 10 Sports Stories countdown from the 2019-2020 school year comes to a close with a multisport athlete who made the state tournament in not one, but two individual sports.
Hailey Miller, a senior Lady Raider student-athlete, is best known for her work on the golf course the past four years.
But she added bowling to her resume this past year, and as her skill would prove in both sports, she represented Richmond at the highest level during both seasons.
In October, Miller wrapped up her illustrious golf career by making her third appearance in the NCHSAA 4A singles state championship in as many seasons. Playing at Pinehurst No. 5, Miller shot a two-day total of 187, which placed her as the 68th best golfer in the state.
As she walked up to the 18th green on the second day, Miller took in the atmosphere of playing her final hole as a high school golfer. After a couple of practice swings, she stepped up and drained a par putt to complete her run as Richmond’s most successful golfer during her tenure.
“The last four years have been so much fun,” Miller said after her final round. “I learned a lot about myself and I definitely became a better golfer. When I made that par putt (on No. 18), it was a really good ending to my career.”
Just a couple of months later in February, Miller was again on the big stage, this time competing in the individual bowling state championship in Lumberton. While the boys’ squad qualified for the team tournament, Miller was the lone Lady Raider present.
New to the sport, and initially told she hadn’t qualified for the state finals, Miller entered the tournament with a positive attitude and was looking to enjoy the experience. And she did just that.
In her three individual games, which saw the scores added together for her final posting, Miller bowled a final pin count of 388 pins. Her single game scores were 120, 131 and 137, respectively.
Although head coach Ralph Butler noted Miller bowled a little below her season average scores, she would place near the middle of the pack, something worthy to be included in our countdown.
The second half of the Top 10 Sports Stories list will continue on Wednesday with the No. 5 story.
Below is the link to Miller’s final NCHSAA 4A golf championship appearance, written by sports editor Kyle Pillar for the Oct. 31, 2019, edition of the Richmond Observer:
Below is the link to the girls’ and boys’ high school bowling state championship, written by sports editor Kyle Pillar for the Feb. 8, 2019, edition of the Richmond Observer:
