Camp Pendleton’s Athletic Director Believes Everyone Can Benefit from Sports
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is not just a second home for Clint Miller, who has worked for Marine Corps Community Services for 32 years. It literally was his home because he grew up on the California base where his father was stationed as a Marine.
A big part of his life in the 1970s and ‘80s was playing sports on base. He was an ace pitcher and dreamed of earning a college scholarship until an elbow injury in high school ended his competitive career.
While rehabbing his injury, Miller started lifting weights, an interest he shared with his father. “My dad was a great athlete himself who played football at the University of Colorado,” he said. He was a linebacker before fighting in Vietnam. He served in the Marine Corps for 32 years.
“I got my bug and my itch for lifting weights as a child from my father,” Miller said. “That spurred my interest in learning more about the body.”
He decided to major in kinesiology at San Diego State. Throughout college he worked on base in a variety of jobs, including stints at the youth centers, the beach, and as youth sports coordinator. After graduating, he joined the staff full time as a fitness center manager.
Since 2011, he has been the Semper Fit program’s athletic director, a job he finds rewarding.
Marines and families can get out there and compete, make friendships, and build camaraderie.
“A lot of the things you learn on the athletic field apply to your everyday life as well,” Miller said. “Every person should be exposed to sports because there is nothing but positives that can emerge.”
Sports help kids burn off energy, teach them teamwork and leadership skills, and show them that hard work pays off. It’s no surprise that many Marines grew up playing sports, and they have not lost their drive to win.
“A lot of Marines are still competing at a high level, and they are a Marine at the same time,” Miller said. “That comes from a lifetime of sports experience.”
One of Miller’s favorite times of year is when Camp Pendleton seeks nominations for the All-Marine Female and Male athletes of the year. The winners are nominated for Marine Corps All-Marine Athletes of the Year.
Pendleton has had winners who were world record holders in kettleball lifting, bench press and cross country running, Ironman competitors, and bobsledders. “What stands out to me is the variety of great athletes we have in the Marine Corps,” he said.
While Miller’s job revolves around games and having a great time, that doesn’t mean it’s not a job.
“It’s a lot of fun doing this job, but it’s a lot of work too,” he said. “I’m really lucky to have a great team of folks to work with here.”