The coach

By Times Staff
Published May 22, 2006

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Scott Miller had no idea what he was walking into that first season, but he was smart enough to stay out of the way.

At least that's his story, and he's sticking to it.

But those who have watched Miller coach and those who have played for him all use the same words to describe the Seminole skipper.

Calm. Cool. Collected.

His style, in many ways, was perfect for the Warhawks. After taking over a team that failed to meet expectations the year before, he merely used a steady and understated hand to guide it to the national title.

Miller may have done an even better job with Seminole in 2004, when he led the Warhawks to another state appearance. There were no draft picks or big names on that team, but it went 26-5.

It was Miller's last at Seminole. When his son, Matt, couldn't get into Seminole because of school choice, he resigned so he could watch his baseball career at Boca Ciega.

Minus the 10 forfeits, Miller was 101-16 in four years at Seminole.

NOW: Miller, who said he hopes to coach again, teaches physical education at Bear Creek Elementary along with his assistant from 2001, Mike Kirkwood. Two other assistants from 2001 also moved on: Rob Francis replaced Miller as coach at Seminole for one season before taking the East Lake job last year, and Jerry Reed is the pitching coach at Hillsborough Community College.