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ST. PAUL -- Regardless of how his post-high school career began, Peter Miller’s first semester at Northwestern College just got a lot better. Miller, a freshman business major from Mackinaw, Illinois, won a year’s worth of free tuition valued at $22,250 on Saturday after punting, passing and kicking his way down the field and through the uprights at Reynolds Field in Northwestern’s Football Frenzy event.
Miller’s quest for free tuition began at the 10-yard line, where his 66-yard pass ended at the 24-yard line on the other half of the field. Miller’s strategic punt stopped just shy of the goal line inside the hash marks, and with his 10-yard field goal sailing through the uprights, the freshman instantly became the most popular student on campus.
When asked how he felt after winning free tuition for a year, Miller’s one-word response was, “Enthusiastic!”
Miller played soccer at Peoria Christian School in Peoria, Illinois, but does not play on Northwestern’s varsity team.
Football Frenzy is an annual event produced by Northwestern’s admissions and athletics departments. Miller is the first person to win the free tuition contest since the event began in 2002. Both current and prospective students’ names are drawn at random to participate in the halftime contests that include the free tuition promotion. Sophomore Sean Hornby won a $500 books scholarship after winning an earlier contest.
Miller gave the fans in attendance at Northwestern’s football game versus the University of Wisconsin-River Falls a consolation prize, as the Eagles lost their home opener 20-17.
Northwestern College hosts a similar event in January called Hoops Hysteria. Spencer Peterson won free tuition at that event in 2002 when he made a layup, free throw, three-pointer and half-court shot in 30 seconds [click for video].