The person that caught the 1 pass.
APOPKA MOURNS LOSS OF MCMILLER
It's the haunting lyrics from a popular Peter, Paul & Mary ballad:
But it seems the good, they die young. I just looked around and he's gone.
That's also the refrain coming from Apopka High School this past week. The school community is mourning the loss of Theodis McMiller III, 19, who drowned when his canoe overturned during an outing last weekend in Bowling Green, Ky.
Some Apopkans remember McMiller, nicknamed Tre, for his touchdown catch that opened up the running game en route to the Blue Darters beating Miami Northwestern for the 2001 Class 6A state football championship.
Others remember him for being one of 16 senior teammates to sign grants-in-aid to continue their education and football. McMiller was among seven who signed with Western Kentucky, where he played this year as a true freshman.
Some may even remember he wore No. 11, the same number his father wore as a pioneering minority quarterback for the Blue Darters.
Apopka Athletic Director Phil King remembers McMiller as epitomizing what you want in a student-athlete.
"He led by example. He did whatever coaches and teachers wanted. Just an outstanding young man," King said. "He was always upbeat, cheerful. Life was good. This is a great loss to our community."
Principal John Edwards remembers him for being the person he was.
"He was a role model for all kids," Edwards said. "He represented Apopka High School as well as anybody who has come through here. You can't say enough good things about him. This is a real tragedy."
The elder McMiller, eloquent and thoughtful, shared with Orlando Sentinel High School Sports host Bill Shafer:
"I hope I can use his life to encourage parents never to take kids for granted. You never know when it's your last time together."
Young McMiller was a class act, the leader of a class program. He made Apopka and all who knew him proud.