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Marion Local's Derek Grieshop, seated center, will attend Northern Kentucky University and be a part of the track and field program.
MARIA STEIN - Maximizing his potential led Marion Local's Derek Grieshop to sign with Northern Kentucky University Wednesday, as the Flyers' thrower will look to make his mark as a Norse and throw for their track and field program.
"I like the growth of the program, and the potential for me to be as good as I can be," said Grieshop, who plans to study business with administration as his goal. "I can make an instant impact on the team and help build everything that they've got going on."
Grieshop placed second in shot put at the Midwest Athletic Conference meet Tuesday with a mark of 48 feet, 5 1/2 inches. He won the event at the Knights of Columbus Mercer County Meet in Coldwater on May 7, with a distance of 49-11 3/4.
Northern Kentucky is based in Highland Heights, Kentucky and competes in NCAA Division I's Horizon League. The Norse recently placed sixth out of eight teams in the outdoor league championships and will compete in the NCAA's first round on May 27.
The program is led by veteran coach Steve Kruse, who is in his 32nd year at the helm.
"The coaches were a big part of the decision," Grieshop said. "They are really high energy when they were getting to know me, and I thought it was a perfect match."
Grieshop's focus now turns to districts, where he bested then teammate Kyle Ungruhn in shot put last year.
"It's been great to get this far, and I've been lucky more than anything. I have to thank God for everything I've got going for me right now, I would not be here without him. Right now, I'm just focused on doing my best for my team."
