Conversation with Grant Krieger (The Blake School)

Grant Krieger (The Blake School) has verbally committed to Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem.  He will compete as a pole vaulter and decathlete for the Demon Deacons.  In a recent conversation with Grant, he indicated that the first factor in his desire to go South for college was competing against Southern athletes at the national level.  “I was always jealous of the Texas kids I competed against at Nationals because they could train all year without worrying about the weather.”

Once he narrowed his schools down to Wake Forest, Mizzou and UNC he really felt the big difference was that Wake Forest was a small school and he simply felt more comfortable and at home there.  He has had a chance to meet with Coach Sullivan and is very excited about training with him.  “We had a great conversation regarding setting goals for myself – not only for my freshman season and overall collegiate career, but even for my final high school season.”

When asked about his academic plans, Grant responded, “This will sound very specific but I am very aware that I might end up changing my mind.  I plan to major in mathematics, minor in economics and get an MBA after college.  But, I can see myself going to college, taking a course I’ve never taken before and changing my mind.”

Grant’s favorite high school memory?  “That is a hard question because there are so many memories of track and field.  My favorite memory, partially because so many people were there to witness it that I won’t ever live it down, was the first time I ran the decathlon.  After running the 1500 in 106 degree weather, everyone else was falling to the ground in exhaustion.  I did a full-out spring, faster than any part of my 1500, and dove straight into the steeplechase water.”  While it was refreshing, Grant admits is was not likely the cleanest water around!

Grant has lofty goals for the future:  “I like to set my goals high.  First of all for high school, I would like to go 17’6” or mid 17’ in the pole vault.  Next year I would like to be a contender to win the ACC conference title, and qualify for the NCAA finals.  My biggest goal is to be an NCAA champion at some point; and I ultimately want the opportunity o compete in an Olympic trials.”

When asked about advice he would pass on to other high school athletes, he states, “Make sure you are reaching out to the colleges you are interested in – don’t just wait for them to reach out to you.  If you have reached out to colleges and it seems like nothing is happening, just know that towards the end of the season a lot will happen at once and it’ll all pile up.  Make sure you visit and talk to the coach.  Whichever coach and campus you visit where you feel comfortable and at home, that is the right place for you.”

Grant will be competing in the Reno Summit in late January and in the New Balance Indoor championships in early March with hopes of winning both!

 

Grant’s Athlete Profile

The Blake School Team Page

Class of 2013 Signings List