Eureka senior TJ Mills officially signed a letter of intent to run track for the Butler Community College (BCC) Grizzlies next fall. Although he digitally submitted his letter of intent last month, Mills met with BCC Head Track Coach Mark Emerson last Friday, May 1 for an official visit.
“I have known since 8th grade that I wanted to run track, but it became more of a reality my sophomore year,” stated Mills. During his sophomore year, Mills claimed the 2A State Championship in the 200M, with a run of 22.78. He also claimed third place in the 100M, his sophomore year. Last year, Mills placed fourth in the 100M, fifth in the 200M and was a member of the state runner- up 4x100 Relay team, last year.
Mills is still recovering from a football injury and has limited his running to a few relays so far this season. He is looking forward to competing in the Tri-Valley League meet at Bluestem on May 14, before traveling to Humboldt on Friday, May 22, for Regional action, with hopes of qualifying for the state track meet later this month.
When talking about BCC, Mills shared, “The Ag program was really what stood out at BCC, but also the track coach and the track program.” Mills is planning to earn an associate’s degree in AgriBusiness while attending BCC. He will then transfer to a four-year school to continue his education and obtain his bachelor’s degree.
Throughout his time at Eureka Junior/Senior High School, Mills received several honors outside of track. During his sophomore and junior years, he was a member of the Kansas and National FFA Champion Livestock Judging teams and was able to travel abroad while judging. Mills is a two-time All-State wide receiver in football, served as class president all four years of high school and currently holds a 4.0 grade point average.
Mills plans to run the 100M, 200M and relays.
He is the son of Shawn and Dana Mills of rural Eureka.
(Courtesy photo)
