Grayson Hill '16 Recruiting Profile

Hello Coach:

My primary goal is to earn a degree from an accredited institution in business management.  As a student athlete I have worked to become an elite javelin, discus and shot putter beginning at the age of 10 playing in my backyard with my Dad's old implements.  My ambition is to someday attain Olympic level status in my performance while being a contributor to the team and hopefully winning many conference championships.

I learned early on in my training that you play/perform the way you practice and my work ethic is second to none.  My throwing career went into high gear in the Spring of my eighth grade year when I was able to break the North East Middle School discus (124.8 feet) and shot put (48.9 feet) records that had stood for many years.  To further my potential after track season, my middle school coach advised I should join U.S.A.T.F.  That Summer I tossed the javelin 149 feet (600 gram), the discus 134.9 feet (1 KG) and the shot put 47.9 feet (4 KG) at the Youth National Meet in Baltimore, Maryland (Morgan State University).

As a freshman I was able to throw the javelin 161.2 feet in the P.I.A.A. District 10 Meet in 2013 and in the summer of that year I attended many U.S.A.T.F. meets where I was able to continue building my technique.  The beginning of my sophomore year I was determined to break the North East High School javelin record that was set in 1994 (172-6 feet).  In order to do this I would need to push myself to a new level in my technique.  My Dad mentioned attending a throwing camp in Chapel Hill, North Carolina late in December where several key U.S. and Finnish javelin throwers were going to be teaching.  There I was asked by a javelin club called Klub Keihas (Javelin Gold in Finnish) to join their elite group of high school throwers who were all training to be the best in the Country.  While attending their club sessions and working with my high school coach I was able to make some good changes to my technique and break the javelin record at my high school with a throw of 178.7 feet.  My next goal is to increase my distance by 20% in my junior year of high school.

To be the best, you have to put the practice time in and push yourself for results.  With that I have focused on my physical strength and flexibility to allow my body to meet the demands of the sport.  I have been working with a strength trainer out of Erie who has helped me to develop much required core strength and flexibility.  Over the past two years I have improved my 40 yard dash speed from 5.08 seconds to 4.8 seconds, while increasing my body weight from 180 to 215 pounds, my bench press from 175 pounds to 235 pounds and my squat from 240 pounds to 425 pounds.  In addition to track and field I have also played varsity football starting the last three years as a full back, middle linebacker and defensive end.

In closing, my faith and character are an important part of my being and are reflected in all aspects of my life.  As a member of my community, I have found it very rewarding to participate in youth events to support the Erie City Mission.  Additionally I have always enjoyed working with younger kids and getting them to dream big and attain goals.  Through the youth mentoring program, I was able to inspire elementary age kids to want to get good grades while playing sports, but most of all being good citizens and giving back to the community through their time.

I appreciate you taking the time to read through my personal statement and I look forward to discussing any potential opportunities with you Coach.

Thank you,

Grayson Hill