JohnAnthony Kritlow '19 Recruiting Profile

My collegiate goals and aspirations consist of being the second person in my whole family to complete college, graduate with a degree in physical education, and to prove to myself and others how successful I can be as an athlete. With that being said, what makes me different from other recruits is as follows. I live in a single parent household, who happens to be my loving Grandmother Linda Fanning and is truly my mother. She took custody of me when I was only 3 months old and has raised me to be who I am today along with the help of my Uncle Gerald. She has managed to give me a solid up bringing on a fixed income and with no help from my mother financially.  If I didn't have them in my life, I don't know where I would be; they are and will forever be my rock. I consider my family extremely close to me and as much as they are my blood they are also my closest friends. One of my closest friends is my cousin Kaden Fanning, my Uncle's son. Kaden was born in 2009 and was more like the little brother I never had. We did everything together, I strived to be a good role model for him and looked forward to seeing him grow up as we both moved through out our lives. On August 3, 2015 that all changed, my cousin choked on a piece of candy after eating his lunch. During the accident there was multiple problems medically that arouse, unfortunately the area I am from did not have the proper medical care needed to secure his airway and remove the blockage. He had to be air lifted to Children's Hospital in Birmingham, AL. During the flight Kaden quit breathing and had to be brought back to life after not breathing 10 minutes. My cousin was later pronounced brain dead and it was then that I lost my best friend. I had a hard time dealing with his loss, I was 14 years old and at that time did not know how to deal with a lost and was still trying to find myself. I experienced a lot of heart break and hard times and my grades suffered that year as I struggled focusing on school. I at the time thought about leaving school and at times thought it was un-fair that I was alive. It was then that I truly got into running, it helped me find myself and helped me get some peace with the situation. I began to dedicate my runs to Kaden and felt that he would help push me through. I wanted to do things for him that he would never get to experience. I then started to focus more on school and became a multi sport athlete. I played in the band, ran cross country, indoor track, track and field, and also played football. Through this, I have learn how to face adversity and consider myself a stronger and better person through my experiences. I feel that this has prepared me to succeed at the collegiate level and as I grow throughout the rest of my life and career. I look forward to becoming a member of a team and moving towards greatness as I know it takes hardships to become great.