Miller Applies Engineering Skills While Home to Perfect Throwing Motion

As you traverse the Carnegie Mellon campus, it's impossible not to notice Bram Miller as he walks by. A 6-foot-5 football lineman and national qualifier in track and field, Miller is an imposing physical presence who sends opponents on the gridiron scrambling. But when you see him on campus, with a backpack slung over his shoulder, his kind smile immediately draws you in.

A mechanical engineering major, Miller recently put his training to work when he returned home to Wisconsin to transition to online classes. Miller built a throwing circle at his home so he could work on his footwork every day.

"I had been trying to do footwork in my driveway for the first week that I was home, but my largest issue is that I never knew how exactly I was positioned in the circle, so I decided to make my own circle to help me visualize my positions," Miller said. "I don't have enough space at my house to actually throw from it, but it is incredibly helpful to work on footwork and technique."

That commitment and ingenuity is something that Miller hopes will propel him to the next level on the national stage. As a sophomore, Miller qualified for nationals in the shot put and discus at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

"My goal, and the main reason I built my own circle, is to transition my technique for shot put from a glide technique, which I have been doing ever since I started throwing shot in the ninth grade, to a rotational technique," Miller said. "Hopefully that will deliver some more power and boost me to the next level, with the eventual goal of placing at nationals."

Carnegie Mellon head track and field coach Gary Aldrich has been mentoring Miller since he first arrived at the university. Aldrich, who has been tabbed to coach the United States throwers for the Olympic team, knows he has a special talent wearing plaid.

"Bram has incredible drive and determination to be successful in everything he does. I believe he should be our first-ever multi All-American in the throws," Aldrich said. "I think he is just starting to learn what he can do and what he can be."

Carnegie Mellon student-athletes excel academically and athletically, and Miller exemplifies that tradition. The university's students are known for putting their heart in the work, and taking action with their dreams.

"Ever since I was young, I have been very drawn to creating things. It's one of the reasons I decided to study engineering and that's what pushed me to decide to build my own circle," Miller said.

After the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the country, Miller left Pittsburgh to return home and be with his family. While his new circle has provided the opportunity to perfect his athletic craft, he misses the campus community he has grown to love.

"I think the thing I miss the most is seeing all of my friends. It's hard to go from seeing people every day, hanging out, having fun to just being stuck at home," Miller said. "I'm lucky enough to have some weights in my basement to train with, but I miss being able to do all the lifts I've been accustomed to doing when I was in Skibo."

Miller's work ethic has not only helped him become one of the top throwers in the country, but it has helped the football program become one of the most competitive in the Presidents' Athletic Conference. A fixture on the offensive line since his first year, Miller helped the Tartans to an 8-2 regular-season mark in 2019. He was elected by his teammates to serve as a team captain next year.

"Bram has been the rock of our offensive line for the past three seasons," said head football coach Rich Lackner. "His work ethic, commitment, attention to detail and dedication to our program has been incredible. Bram is a leader in every aspect of his life – in the classroom, on the football field and as a member of the Carnegie Mellon community."

Miller has positioned himself to make the most of his time back in Wisconsin, but he is looking forward to his return to campus, and especially the football field and throwing circle.

"I have been fortunate to be part of so many great experiences at CMU," Miller said.

Miller is slated to spend the summer working as an intern for Milwaukee Tool, a company that specializes in the production of power tools.

Video: Miller practicing his footwork in his self-made circle