HIGH POINT — High Point University Catholic track star AJ Miller has entered “beast mode,” according to Campus Minister Father Matthew Harrison.
Miller, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, took home his first title as conference champ at the Big South Indoor Track and Field Championship in Mill Spring while maintaining his evangelistic, God-warrior attitude, wherever his sneakers carry him.
“He is one of my very active Catholic students at High Point,” Father Harrison said. “AJ’s faith while also being a D1 athlete and conference champ is an inspiration to so many.”
The track champion, who is known for praying before runs, not removing his crucifix for races, and making the sign of the cross at meets is gaining attention for his speed and perseverance.
“I just try to keep God at the focus, remember why I am doing it, and hope that I can glorify Him,” Miller said. “I want to reach out to people and inspire them to do the same.”
Miller didn’t come to High Point University for its Division I track team.
“The weather is what brought me South,” Miller laughed. “I wanted a lot less of the winter than I usually would have back in Pittsburgh.”
As a freshman, he tried out for track not expecting much, even though he has run since he was in seventh grade and at Montour High School in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, where he won the Track and Field Most Valuable Player award in 2024.
“Throughout high school I was not bad at track, but not great. During senior year I was able to really focus and get better. I was able to barely make the team here,” Miller said. “Then last year, the standard got really strict, and I had to devote a lot of time to even stay on the team. Now, this year, I’ve kept that momentum, and I’ve come to be like our top runner for the 800.”
Though his success came as a welcome surprise, his competitive attitude and dedication were always a part of him.
“I started running as a dare from a friend. To prepare for soccer, my friend went out for cross-country, and he said I should, too,” Miller said. “I didn’t want to, and he said I was scared. So, I joined.”
Miller admits to initially hating running, taking years to like it even after he joined cross country.
“Once you get to a certain point, it becomes enjoyable. It is almost like a release, kind of therapeutic,” Miller said.
The college experience has brought him closer to the finish line faster and to God, who he credits with his successes.
“Throughout most of my life I didn’t really practice my faith much. I always believed, but I wasn’t big on doing stuff with it” said Miller, who was raised Catholic. “ But, then, when I got to college,
I decided to step it up. I actually started knowing why I believe what I believe.”
Miller’s dedication to both God and track is hardcore. He lifts weights and runs eight to 15 miles every day except Sunday, which he reserves for Mass and prayer.
While he runs, he often contemplates God.
“On runs, if I am on my own, I have some philosophical thoughts to keep me busy. But on race days, the night before I always pray, an hour before I’ll pray, too, and even at the start line I’ll make the sign of the cross – it focuses me on God instead of the pain I am about to go through,” Miller said.
Sometimes he is accompanied by his running buddy, Father Harrison, and in between breaths, they talk about faith.
“Father Harrison is so relatable, and he is a runner, too. He is training for Iron Man right now, and when I go on runs with him, he is fun to talk with,” Miller said.
Miller’s coach, Mike Esposito, who has coached for more than 20 years, is as impressed with Miller’s physical progress as Father Harrison is with his spiritual journey.
Miller’s personal-best time of 1:50.6 minutes 800-meter, puts him on track to be one of the elite collegiate contenders who may qualify as one of the top 48th on the East Coast, allowing him to later compete in the NCAA East Preliminaries on a national level.
Miller’s parents often come down to the Carolinas, not wanting to miss a beat of their son’s newfound stamina and faith. Miller credits God for his ability and with each step, runs closer and closer to Him.
“I’m all about pushing my limit and finding a new one, so I’m seeing how far I can take this,” Miller said. “Whatever the plan God has, I’ll trust that.”
— Lisa M. Geraci 
Shaileen RiginosHUNTERSVILLE — Christ the King High School has named veteran educator Shaileen Riginos as its new president, effective July 1, when current President Dr. Carl Semmler will transition into a leadership role within the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic Schools office.
Riginos comes to the diocese with two decades of Catholic education experience. Most recently, she served as associate superintendent for the Diocese of Charleston, where she provided strategic leadership across 32 Catholic schools, supporting pastors, diocesan leaders and school administrators. She previously spent 10 years as principal at St. Anne Catholic School in Rock Hill.
“Christ the King has long been a model of what a thriving Catholic high school can be,” Riginos said. “While leading the expansion of St. Anne Catholic School into the first PK-3 through 12 school in the Diocese of Charleston, I often looked to CTK as an example of strong Catholic identity and student formation. To now have the privilege of serving as its president feels like it is coming full circle.”
Current CTK President Dr. Carl Semmler, who served as principal for six years and as president for the past three, will transition into a newly created position as Executive Director of Catholic Identity, Operations and Capital Improvements for the Catholic Schools office.
In that role, Semmler will partner with stakeholders to foster a strong Catholic identity within the 20 Diocese of Charlotte schools, assisting with the execution of capital improvements and collaborating to ensure the schools have an operating budget that supports the vision of both local school and diocesan leaders.
“The nine years that I will have spent at CTK have been an absolute blessing,” Semmler said.
“The students, parents, faculty, staff and fellow administrators have been an inspiration to me and a strength to my faith. As a community, we have grown in every possible way.”
CTK was founded in 2011 with 28 students. During his tenure as its first president, a role he assumed in 2023, Semmler grew the school from 260 students to 435 this academic year.
At a time when the campus is undergoing a $12 million expansion project, increasing its footprint to handle enrollment that is expected to eventually reach 600 students, Riginos will collaborate with the leadership team, including Principal Mark Tolcher, to ensure a seamless transition.
The high school leadership model that the diocese uses allows high school principals to handle academic oversight and daily operations, while presidents focus on shaping the mission and vision of the school, community relationships, financial management and fundraising.
Riginos, who will be the first female high school president in the diocese, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. Her appointment comes after a national search.
“Mrs. Riginos brings broad experience at both the diocesan and school levels, along with strong expertise in strategic planning and relationship building, which will serve the Christ the King community well as the school continues to grow,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, the diocesan superintendent of schools. “I look forward to seeing what she and Mr. Tolcher will accomplish together as the leadership team of Christ the King.”
While Semmler will be fully immersed in his new responsibilities, Semmler told the Catholic News Herald he wants Riginos to know he is just a phone call away.
“I am here for you,” Semmeler said he would tell her. “I want to help you and the school be successful.”
Although Riginos worked for the Diocese of Charleston, she, along with her husband and three children, already call the Greater Charlotte area home.
Riginos said she is looking forward “to working alongside students, teachers, staff, and families as we continue the mission of forming young men and women in faith, academic excellence and service.”
— Lisa M. Geraci