Lexie Miller hurdles way to Oregon's Hall of Fame

Crossing the finish line ahead of the pack at Hayward Field, the prestigious track and field facility nestled on the campus of the University of Oregon, is a dream come true for aspiring runners across the nation.

For Kalispell’s Lexie (Miller) Wyman, it was commonplace.

Miller, a graduate of the class of 1979 at Flathead High School, was inducted into the University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame on Sept., 13 as a part of the 23rd class for her prolific collegiate achievements from 1980-83.

Miller finished her Oregon career holding school records in the 100-meter and 400-meter hurdles as well as the long jump. Records are meant to be broken, but her 400-meter hurdle mark of 57.08 seconds still stands today at Oregon — arguably one of the strongest running programs in the country.

“It was pretty overwhelming to know that I hold one record after so many years,” Miller said.

“It was my longest hurdles race. Normally, the longest I had to run was 110 meters, so it was neat to be recognized for that.

“It was exciting. It was stressful trying to get everybody there that I wanted at the ceremony. My mom was able to come and my kids got there. After everybody got there, I was able to relax.”

Back in Eugene for the first time in over a year, Miller was honored with the rest of the inductees at a dinner in the Club at Autzen Stadium a night before being introduced in front of 56,533 fans during the Ducks’ football game against Wyoming.

While Oregon showcases it’s $68 million football performance center for the No. 2 ranked team in the nation, Miller recalled a different state of Oregon athletics as she walked across the campus of her alma mater.

“The differences are shocking. The changes that have been made are amazing,” Miller said.

“When I was there, they weren’t very good at football; it wasn’t a very big football school and basketball school, but it has always been a track school. Mainly for distance, but it’s always been a track school.”

A standout on the track at Flathead High, Miller still holds four school records for the Bravettes, including the 100- and 200-meter dash, 100-meter high hurdles and long jump. She totaled 29.5 points, winning several medals, at state as a senior in 1979 — the highest point total of any individual performance at the girls state meet.

Her talent was discovered by plenty of potential college programs, but Miller went chasing after Oregon for a chance to run for the best.

“They didn’t recruit me,” Miller said.

“I saw a list of times I had to run in order to get a scholarship, and they were really fast. I thought I would never run that fast.”

Miller’s father, the late Moose Miller, called the Ducks’ track and field coach Tom Heinonen, informed him of his daughter’s talent and interest, and scheduled a visit to Eugene that turned out to be an audition of sorts.

“They taped me reel to reel,” Miller said.

“The hurdles were farther apart and higher, but I just did it. I ran some hurdles, I ran some sprints and at the end they said, ‘you’ll make the team and you’ll compete for us, but we don’t have any money to award you.’ That’s all my dad needed to hear.”

The money did come, however, after Miller’s sophomore season at Oregon. She established school records in the long jump, 100- and 400-meter hurdles and received a full-scholarship for her junior year.

Residents in the Flathead Valley know Miller for her records, her appearance at the 1984 Olympic trials and for a near-fatal car accident that left her hospitalized for 4 1/2 months, but nowadays Miller is known for her coaching.

As a cross country and track coach at Kalispell Middle School, Miller can be seen riding her tricycle along with the team, pacing them during practice.

“I really enjoy it. The kids are great. To get somebody, to turn them into a hurdler, to get them doing it right at that age, it’s really meaningful.

“I’m very fortunate to have the support that I have. My family and the people at KMS have been the best support I’ve ever had at a school. I’m happy to be home, and I love to be back in Montana.”

It’s been a wild 53 years — the life of Miller. Throughout the ups and downs, she takes on each day with a smile. As the University of Oregon demonstrated, it hasn’t gone by unnoticed.