Neal Miley

Everything we need to know about Neal Miley can be told with this story from his senior year. How well we remember:

March, 1998. Sidney's boys basketball team was fresh from winning its second NYS Public High School crown in school history. As semifinalists in the Class C Federation minitournament, the Warriors were playing The Dwight School of NYC. Led by sharpshooting Division One recruit Vedad Osmanovic and his 17 points, the Tigers took a 40-27 first half lead as Sidney's zone defense wasn't too effective. Then.....

In the locker room, Neal Miley asserted his team captain's role with authority. He boldly stated, "Let's stop playing zone, switch to man-to-man and I've got #35." That was the uniform number of Osmanovic who had made eight of 11 shots to that juncture.

The next eight minutes may have been the best quarter in Sidney hoop history. Not only did the Warriors blast their opponents 28-6, but Neal held #35 to just 1-for-9 shooting. He added 13 points,10 rebounds and 5 assists as Sidney claimed a 69-64 victory.

In the post-script, Sidney would lose a first half lead the next day to Buffalo Turner-Carroll (with three eventual major college recruits) but even worse, Neal was snubbed from all-tournament recognition.

Over the course of his athletic career Neal did earn many awards yet, truth be told, trophies were not as important as team accomplishments

Early on, baseball was a favorite youth sport until there weren't many fences in local varsity fields for this power hitter. Travel basketball came into the picture in middle school. Neal earned a roster spot on the elite Southern Tier Storm AAU squad, no easy feat.

Football was a natural choice for Neal, given his size and athleticism. But after one varsity game as a freshman, he was forced to return to JV ball when Sidney shut down its varsity program in 1995. He still got two seasons as a fullback and linebacker for new coach Jeff Matthews. Neal earned Section 4 All-Star status as linebacker plus as a ball carrier, had a 181 yard rushing effort against Unadilla Valley - 8th most in Sidney history at the time.

Since baseball was a no-go, Neal decided to try track & field as a junior. To no one's surprise he threw the shot put and discus in an effort to increase his strength and speed for the other sports. Ironically his proudest moment was when the Warrior weight throwers won the annual 4 x 100 sprint relay.

Colleges recruited him for the gridiron and hardwood. At various times he played football at New Haven & Cortland and for one season played basketball at TC3.

Professionally, Neal has a BA in Sociology from SUNY Cortland (2002). Since 2004, he has utilized his skills in his various roles advocating for the youth through NYS Office of Children and Family Services. He takes pride being a bridge between the youth's placement, their family and the community

Speaking of family, no doubt Neal takes pride in tonight's honor shared with his brother Eric as the newest inductees into the Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame