UCCS' Quiet Giant remembered

They called him “the quiet giant.”

Though compact in stature, it was 19-year-old David Mueller humble’s leadership and recording-breaking performance on the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs’ track team that earned him the nickname.

“He let his competing do the talking,” said coach Mark Misch.

Early Sunday, Mueller was killed in a single-car crash on Garden of the Gods Road. Though police haven’t confirmed it was Mueller who died, university officials announced the sophomore’s death in a release hailing his accomplishments, which included breaking nine school records his first and only year on the team.

“He’s the best sprinter we’ve ever had. Had he had a chance to fulfill his career he probably would have been among the best in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference,” said Doug Fitzgerald, the school’s sports information director.

Monday night, about 300 people flooded a candlelight vigil for Mueller on the track field of Coronado High School, his alma matter. Speaker after speaker reiterated Mueller’s reserved demeanor, making it clear the was a role model even to those twice his age.

The crash happened about 4:30 a.m. when a vehicle was driving west on Garden of the Gods Road in northern Colorado Springs. Police said the vehicle hit the raised median, crossed over to the other side of the road and rolled.

The vehicle ended up on its roof in a field on the south side of the road.

The driver, Dylan Salazar, who turned 19 on Monday, had minor injuries. He was arrested at the hospital. Speed and alcohol are considered to be factors in the crash, police said.

Mueller’s friends described him as a passionate but humble “workhorse” who loved to train and never complained.

“He’s left a legacy,” Misch said.

Last year, Mueller broke outdoor track school records in the 200 meter, 400 meter and 4 x 100 meter relay and indoor track school records in the 55 meter, 60 meter, 200 meter, 4 x 200 meter relay and the distance medley.

But if you met him, those close to him said, those accomplishments would likely never come up.

“For a guy who was a good at what he did as he was, he didn’t come across as being very impressed with himself,” Fitzgerald said.