Some people
wander though life with little direction, drifting from one thing to
another with no real sense of purpose. The years pass as one
unremarkable day bleeds into the next as the chapters of their lives
could bear the sad remark of “if only I had done,,,,,,,”, you fill in
the blank.
Others
embrace everything they do with a sense of urgency, lending purpose and
vitality to all that they touch. So it is with our co-Models of the
Month, Doug and Stephanie Miller, two athletes who truly know what it
means to “Give Back”.
"Team
Miller"
Doug &
Stephanie Miller - Lift for Life Models of the Month
Doug and Stephanie are no strangers to fitness,
both carrying impressive athletic resumes which boast of numerous
accomplishments. Stephanie’s confident smile coupled with Doug’s
Herculean features tells of a duo that doesn't take fitness lightly.
With Pro Cards to back them up, both Doug and Stephanie are feared
contenders whenever they take the stage.
With more determination than could be contained in
his 5’ 9” frame, Doug excelled not only in sports, but also in academics
claiming the title of Valedictorian as he graduated from
Penn State University's Scheyer Honors Program with degrees in
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Economics. Although Doug was
“extremely focused on academics”, he felt that something was missing in
his life. It was at this time that a friend introduced him to the weight
room where he became “instantly hooked”. A bodybuilder at Doug’s gym
took notice of him and encouraged him to consider competing. A true
competitor at heart, Doug claimed the Overall Novice title in his first
competition only one year after graduating from college. From there, the
academic and the athlete combined as Doug learned from and built upon
the experience, and went on to win a Pro Card at his second competition
just fourteen months latter.
Stephanie
followed a similar path, with scholarships to play both softball and
basketball at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. As Captain
of the softball team, Stephanie set many records as well as winning all
conference and was an all region player as pitcher as well. Completing
her academic career with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration,
Stephanie also felt the tug of her athletic side urging her to explore
new areas of endurance. Already an avid weight lifter, Stephanie was
inspired by her brother as he entered his first bodybuilding competition
in March of 2003. Fresh with confidence after the event, he simply said
“When are you going to do one Steph?”
That
gentle nudge was all it took for the ever competitive Stephanie to take
the plunge as she entered the same show as her brother the following
August. And what an introduction to the sport it was as Stephanie walked
away with the Open, Novice and Overall Figure titles, and a Pro Card to
punctuate the occasion. Riding this burst of momentum, Stephanie
competed in her first Pro show only 2 weeks latter claiming the title in
the IFPA American States where she competed with her husband Doug.
At
this point, one might assume that Doug and Stephanie Miller have
accomplished all that they have set out to do, and while this in part
holds a degree of truth, both Doug and Stephanie have aspirations which
cannot be achieved in the gym or encapsulated in a trophy. In fact, Doug
and Stephanie would probably be the first to confess that some of life’s
greatest accomplishments are not contained in what you can hold in your
hand, but in what you give away. Though the fires of physical endurance
are illuminated on the stage, the purest form of character is measured
in what we sacrifice for others. To this end, Doug and Stephanie have
sponsored a child through
Compassion International, an International Relief Agency that
supports children in poverty stricken areas of the world. Today,
Compassion helps more that 1 million children in over 24 countries.
Additionally,
the
Miller’s donate several hours each week assisting people with their own
fitness program and helping them to achieve a healthy and active
lifestyle.
Because of their commitment to Drug Free Physical
Excellence and unbending dedication to others, Lift for Life is honored
to name Doug and Stephanie Miller as co-Models of the Month.
Doug & Stephanie Miller - Lift for Life Models of
the Month
the
Miller’s donate several hours each week assisting people with their own
fitness program and helping them to achieve a healthy and active
lifestyle.