Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Jacob Miller, Havre Swimming

The Havre High swim team has had a lot of big moments in past years, but the most recent was when the HHS boys team won the Class A state championship in 2019.

It was a big moment for the many seniors that year and left an impact on many returners this year.

One of those to be a part of the state win was Jacob Miller, who is now a senior on the Blue Pony team. Like many of the swimmers before him, Miller has been, and continues to leave his mark. After all, Miller has been a part of the Havre team for all four years of his high school career.

With his last season in the pool as a Blue Pony, there is a lot for Miller to be proud of. Not only is Miller a standout athlete in the pool, but an excellent student-athlete overall. There is never a dull moment with him alongside his teammates.

And that's what Miller enjoys the most.

"I really like the team dynamic," Miller said about swimming. "As well as what it does for each individual and the lessons it teaches. Plus, how it gets you into shape and what it does for everyone."

Miller was recently honored for his commitment to the swim team last Saturday at the Havre Invitational at the Havre Community Pool. Miller is for sure is loved by his teammates and coaches, who gave him a rallying cheer as he walked. On top of that, Miller has a cheer of his own sometimes, sometimes shouting "away" when his teammates dive into the water.

Plus, Miller had a good start to his senior year at the Havre Invite, too. He placed second in the 100-meter breaststroke and made a splash in each event he competed in. Miller is a heated competitor and swimmer with a good vibe every meet he attends.

And with the first meet of the season over, Miller has his sights on what he aims to achieve for himself and his team as the year progresses.

"My goals for the season are one, personally, to get in better shape and get faster because I plan to swim in college," Miller said. "As a team, I'd like to see everyone improve in their races and get better."

Miller's drive and compassion for his team helps to make him an outstanding athlete, as well as an admirable human being. There is always a morale boost when Miller is cheering on the sidelines. There is no doubt that when the season ends, Miller will be remembered by his team for his excellency and passion.

Now Miller and the Havre team are off to Great Falls Friday and Saturday to compete in the Great Falls Invitational. But, before Miller and the Ponies hit the road and dive into the water, Havre Daily News caught up with the standout swimmer for five questions.

HDN: What's your mindset going into each swim meet?

Miller: "My biggest thing is always just trying to have grace under pressure. Call it cliché, but I always try to mentally prepare myself what might and might not happen. Grace under pressure is my big thing."

HDN: What has been your favorite memory on the swim team?

Miller: "I've done a lot of fun things with the swim team. They've been a family to me. But, probably the most proud, happy and ecstatic I've been is when we won state. Just being able to see how hard everyone worked and have it all come together. It was super rewarding and I was very, very proud of the boys team and the girls team, too."

HDN: If you were to choose two other swimmers, who would you race against in the pool?

Miller: "I would go with Amelia Miller because she was kind of my mentor and I was always toe-to-toe with her. I go with Carson Sandstrom, too. He's a freshman right now, but he's extraordinarily talented and works very hard. He paces very well with me and is very close in time with me, so I really enjoy racing him, too."

HDN: What are your hobbies outside of swimming?

Miller: "I really enjoy hunting, fishing, singing, playing video games, hanging out with friends and helping out my family."

HDN: What is your favorite event to compete in at swim meets?

Miller: "I'm best at the 100-meter breast and that's probably one of my favorites, but oddly enough, I kind of like swimming the 500-meter."