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Former Maysville resident well-known in Cincinnati sports scene
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By CHUCK HAMILTON Sports Writer
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Wayne "Box" Miller has come a long way from his early days in Maysville.
He has been and still is a busy and active community member since moving to Cincinnati as a child.
Miller says he has a difficult time saying no, and that when he was asked recently to act as the master of ceremonies at the Freedom Fund Gala for the NAACP in his hometown, he accepted.
Miller has also been the keynote speaker at his former church, Scott Methodist in Maysville, and often returns to the area to visit family and friends.
Miller is the sports director at WDBZ, The Buzz (1230 AM) and has also hosted a nightly sports talk show, known as "The Prime Time Sports Show" from 5-7 p.m. for the past eight years.
The talk show is only one of many hats worn by Miller, who also is a twice-monthly contributor on WLWT "Sports Rock" on Sunday nights. He writes a column for the Cincinnati Herald and writes a sports blog which incorporates his insights and observations in a light-hearted fashion.
In addition to all of that, Miller added a new duty last year, becoming the public address announcer at home games for University of Cincinnati basketball.
His primary position remains the consulting firm he founded, PenSoul, which focuses on diversity and minority marketing.
"That is what I am truly passionate about," Miller said. "It is all about bringing people together, and I'm hoping that one day we can create partnerships with Maysville businesses to give the youth of the community more opportunities."
Miller's work in the community has earned him numerous awards, including the City of Cincinnati's Connecting Communities and Cultures Award for his work with bettering race relations and the City of Hope's Spirit of Life Award. Miller also was recently recognized by Phi Delta Kappa, Sigma Chapter, as a distinguished leader in the community.
Miller credits his late father, who was known as "Pops," and the elders in Maysville for being positive role models.
"Many of the people who came before me were not given the opportunities I have been given," said Miller. "My father worked so much he developed health issues and passed away, so a lot of people were inspirations to me."
Following graduation from Woodward High School in Cincinnati, Miller attended Morehead State University and graduated in 1979 with a degree in Communications.
He was inducted into the MSU Alumni Hall of Fame in May of 2007 for his professional and charitable accomplishments.
"To be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame was a tremendous honor for a couple of reasons," Miller said. "One was because I got to take my aunt and uncle (Lillian and Gene Bluford of Maysville) to the ceremony, and in a way, it was more like they were going in than me. It was also a way for me to thank all the people who made it possible, and they are people I will never forget."
Miller's main objective is for young people to pursue their dreams, even if they make a few mistakes along the way.
"I want kids from small towns like Maysville, or anywhere for that matter, to succeed and not to dwell on mistakes they may make. Instead, they should use that opportunity to grow as individuals," said Miller. "So many people helped me, and everything I do is geared towards giving kids a dream."
Miller's daughter, Jennifer, is still pursuing her dream. A senior at Georgia State University, she is currently interning in New York City, with hopes of using her major in fashion journalism in Paris in the future.
"I'm very proud of her," said Miller.
With numerous extended family members in the community, including restaurateur Chan Warner (who owns Chandler's in downtown Maysville), athletes Chris Lofton and De'Sarae Chambers, there is no doubt many in the local community are also proud of the multifaceted Miller.
But what about that nickname?
"I have no idea exactly where the name 'Box' came from, but I picked it up sometime in elementary school, and I've had it ever since." |
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