Change in weight class has been boost for Kiski Area grad Darren Miller at Bucknell

Two years ago, as a sophomore at Bucknell, wrestler Darren Miller qualified for the NCAA Tournament at 133 pounds. Though he lost his first two matches to exit early, Miller relished his milestone moment and learned some important lessons.

“What I learned most is that it’s a tough tournament,” the Kiski Area grad said. “Wrestling and technique, you have to wrestle through all positions, don’t be afraid to wrestle hard and not give up a point. Every point at the national tournament matters. You can always come back and wrestle through and win a close match at the end.”

Miller learned something else, and this was a lesson gleaned through his first two seasons of college competition: He probably was not competing at his ideal weight.

Bisons coach Dan Wirnsberger said Miller often had to put too much focus and energy into cutting weight. Despite Miller earning an NCAA Tournament berth, he and Wirnsberger decided it was time for a change.

So last season, Miller made the step up to the 141-pound class.

“It was a decision that we made,” Wirnsberger said, emphasizing the we. “It’s not a coaching staff-alone decision. … Not so much what’s best for the team but what’s best for the individual. At the end of the day, it’s an individual sport, and we want to put each individual in the best spot to achieve their goals: to be an (Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) champion, to be an NCAA champion, to be an All-American.”

Last season, in his first year at 141, Miller posted a 16-5 record and placed fifth in the EIWA. There was no NCAA Tournament berth at the end of the season, but Miller was buoyed by his performance.

This season, Miller is looking like he is heading in the right direction if the NCAA Tournament is his goal. Heading into last weekend, Miller was 15-4 and ranked No. 20 at 141 pounds by Intermat.

Over his first two seasons wrestling at 133 pounds, his winning percentage was .587 (27-19). Since the start of his junior season — and through Bucknell’s Jan. 29 match against Army — Miller’s percentage is .775 (31-9).

Even a two-week injury absence didn’t slow him down.

There have been some adjustments, to be sure. Opponents are bigger, rangier and stronger than those he faced at 133, but Miller is pleased with the transition.

“It was just a little bit too much for my junior year to make that (weight) cut,” he said. “But I’m feeling stronger right now, definitely a lot better, more energy at 141.”

Stylistically, Miller said, he hasn’t made too many changes. Wirnsberger said if anything, he and his staff have tried to add to Miller’s skills in an effort to make him more dangerous wrestling in every position.

Wirnsberger said they have worked on Miller using different angles to get to his offense rather than making every attack head-on. That fine-tuning, along with his intangibles, have made Miller more complete.

“He’s ultra competitive. That’s what makes him as good as he is for us,” Wirnsberger said. “He’s really good in all three areas, and that’s why he has consistent performance.

“He’s gritty and stingy as far as riding guys and gaining riding time and really makes guys work to earn their escape. … It takes a lot of energy out of guys trying to get away.”

That fits perfectly with Miller’s preferred style. While he will get a pin here and there — he has two in his 15 victories this season — he is more likely to use his tenacity and tactics to out-point opponents.

“I feel like I’m a pretty good mat wrestler, both bottom and top,” he said. “I definitely like to be physical on top. I like to try and hold the guy down as much of the match as possible. I feel that’s draining to the opponent.”

Miller’s work ethic has been duly noted by Wirnsberger and his staff. Miller was selected as a captain last season — Wirnsberger called Miller’s appointment as captain a “simple pick” — and remains in that role this season.

It’s a responsibility Miller doesn’t take lightly. He said he tries to keep tabs on his teammates in the wrestling room and in the classroom.

“Being a captain is a great honor, first off, because it just shows how all of the coaches and the other guys trust me,” Miller said. “And I always like to talk to the guys. If I see guys struggling, I’ll see what’s on their mind, especially with school work because I know a few of the guys have rough schedules, which can impact how you’re feeling and how you’re wrestling as well.”

Miller, an electrical engineering major, has the option of coming back for a fifth season thanks to the “bonus” covid year offered by the NCAA. But that’s a decision he hasn’t reached as yet. He is weighing his options between grad school or going into the workforce, and even if he decides on grad school, it wouldn’t be a given he returns to wrestle for a fifth year.

So Miller will keep his attention on finishing strong this season.

Only two dual matches remain before the EIWA championships, which take place March 4 and 5. Miller is a two-time placewinner at EIWAs, placing third in 2021 and fifth last season in his 141-pound debut.

He said he is confident of a strong finish but won’t take anything for granted.

“I feel like after a year of having the weight class under my belt, I’m a lot bigger and a lot stronger this year, and I definitely filled out the weight class a lot more.

“I’ve got to look forward to every single match. I can’t look ahead. … I can’t look over any of them. I just have to keep preparing and keep getting better every day.”