October 11, 2012 12:18 AM

Nate Miller arrived at Liberty with thoughts that basketball, or perhaps the gridiron to follow in the footsteps of his two brothers, would highlight his prep career.

Hell leave the northern Colorado Springs high school with quite the athletic legacy all right. But in neither of the aforementioned sports.

Basketball was actually my sport growing up, but I wasnt big enough for football, Miller said. I took up tennis instead. I just loved it. As time progressed, I focused on tennis and started taking it seriously. This year, I was able to take it to another level. This will be one of my last chances to play, so I want to go out as well as I can.

Miller, a senior, became quite possibly Libertys first boys singles regional champion Oct.5 when he recorded a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Lakewoods Ram Vuppaladadiyam in the Region 6 championship match in No. 2 singles at Denver East. Lancers coach Joe Frasca didnt witness the feat during his seven years there, and he doubts anyone previously made it to the top at the school known instead for its high-caliber cross country and soccer programs.

Now, its onto the state tournament, where 373 athletes in 5A and 4A head for Denvers Gates Tennis Center and Pueblo City Park, respectively, to compete in the three-day tournament starting Thursday.

Miller, along with Pine Creek junior Zack Inman, represents the only Pikes Peak-area 5A singles players to make it through regional play and into state play.

For these guys to even make it to state is quite an accomplishment, Frasca said. But I know what kind of competitor Nate is. Hes not just happy getting there. Nate wants to be there on Saturday.

Millers breakthrough at Liberty marked another momentous step for the program, which just last year saw its girls team post a school-best seven victories in dual matches and qualified five players to the state tournament.

This is the best season we have ever had, Frasca said. Like Nate, most of my players didnt start tennis until they were in high school and they have improved tremendously the past four years. There is a renaissance happening at Liberty with our tennis programs.

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Liberty's Miller excels in tennis after starting in other sports