Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Nick Muller

School: Clayton Valley Charter High School; Grade: Senior; Sports: Cross Country, Track

Muller ran at Clayton Valley Charter since his freshman year. “Throughout this time, I have looked up to many groups of seniors and am grateful to have been a part of some of the best track teams the school has seen,” the recent graduate told The Pioneer.

Those teams took him to league and North Coast Section championships and the CIF state meet in relays. And this spring he hoped to return again as an individual in the 800-meter race. “I dreamed of being one of the school’s few runners to run sub 2:00 in that race. After opening the season [with a personal record] 2:00.75, I was hopeful it would happen.”

A halt to hopes and dreams

However, the coronavirus pandemic soon called a halt to those hopes and dreams for Muller and the rest of the Ugly Eagles track and field team when all spring high school sports in California were cancelled. The senior, who is headed for UCLA this fall, added, “Myself and the whole team are devastated. We have always looked forward to big meets like the Stanford and Arcadia Invitationals as team bonding experiences. I am still grateful for the team and coaching staff at Clayton Valley, especially coach Keisha Lowe, for a great four years.”

His coach said, “Nick has always had a passion for running. He is fast enough to be an outstanding sprinter and, coupled with his endurance, he is an all-around great runner. Nick is a hard worker. He’s always trying to perfect his races. He is the type of kid a coach looks forward to coaching… a coachable athlete who is always willing to do what is best for his team. Nick is always willing to step in and run anything I ask from the 100 meters to the 1600M to a relay at a moment’s notice. Nick was definitely an asset to the team that I’m going to greatly miss.”

CVCHS student journalist Alexa Oldham wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Nick and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.