White Knoll’s Bryan Grumbach talks about being ranked no. 1 in the Class AAAA 800 and goals.
Name: Bryan Grumbach
Personal bests: 1600- 4:26.09, 1 Mile- 4:20.88, 800- 1.57.98, 3200- 9:55.78
Academic Interest: Math and science
Hobbies: Drumming, hiking/camping, fishing
Interesting facts: I played basketball for White Knoll High School's JV team in 10th grade.
I started track in 10th grade.
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
I heard some guys on the basketball team talking about track and I knew my dad ran in high school and college and so I thought I would give it a try.
How have you seen it change?
The really fast guys like Zack Langston, Nick O'Brian, and Chad Fennell all graduated last year and they paved the way for the newer younger guys like Malik Epps, Ryan Smith, and I to step up and take their place.
How do you feel you have grown in the sport?
I have grown and improved a lot since my first season where I ran 2:04 something for the 800 and now two seasons later I am running 1:57's.
What has been your motivation for this season?
It is my senior year and I just want to be the absolute best I can be.
How do you look at the rankings?
I look at them a little but I try not to let them get to my head. It does give me confidence when I see myself as one of the ones at the top of the list.
What goes through your mind as the gun is getting ready to go as you are waiting in the blocks or starting?
I just try to focus on running my race and getting out fast that first 100 meters.
Do you have a pre race tradition?
Not really, but I do have a pair of red socks I like a lot. I ran in them at Taco Bell and ran very well in them.
How would you rater your season so far?
It has been tough but fulfilling.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport?
My dad ran in the 1600 and 800 in high school and was a state champion in both and he ran the 800 in college at Western Kentucky University.
What challenges have you encountered in the sport?
It is a very physically demanding and mentally taxing sport. The stress before meets is sometimes annoying but it helps me run at my highest level.
Have you ever been injured?
I strained my quad in 10th grade.
What do you hope to achieve in the sport and in life in the future?
I hope to win state in the 800 and then run at Clemson in the fall. I hope to become a mechanical engineer as well.
Do you have post season track plans?
Backpacking and hanging out with friends. Also I hope to get a job.
What is your favorite workout and why?
800 repeats. They are pretty fast and very tiring, but they are satisfying when you finish the workout.
What goals have you set for the rest of the season?
Win state in the 800 or at least run my fastest race.
Looking at the 2014 stat meet, what do you remember and how did that make you prepare for the 2015 state meet?
There was no pressure at last years meet but now I definitely feel the pressure because I have the fastest 800 in Class AAAA right now.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would want to do an episode of Man vs. Wild with Bear Grylls because I love the outdoors and Bear Grylls is an awesome and crazy outdoor/ survival expert. He gets to go to some of the coolest places on earth and do crazy and exciting things there.
Pre-race pump-up song: I don't really listen to music before a race
Post-race meal: Pretty much anything
Go-to Karaoke song: I don't really do karaoke much but it would probably be Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas
Favorite Book: Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell
Last Movie you watched: The Expendables 3
Favorite race or event to watch: The 800 or 1600
If you could go on a run with any athlete, who would it be? Sebastian Coe