Q-and-A with Grant Nykaza, Beecher Cross Country
September 30, 2012 6:18PM
Grant Nykaza, of Beecher. | Gary Middendorf~For Sun-Times Media
high school
CUBE
Updated: November 2, 2012 6:10AM
Senior Grant Nykaza, of Beecher Cross Country, was the 2011 Class 1A state runner-up in 14 minutes, 37 seconds, the second-best time of returning runners in all three classes.
What are your goals this season?
First and foremost is getting the state championship, then qualifying for nationals after the state meet.
What time do you want to run?
I’d love to go close to 14:15. If I can get down there, I’d be very happy. But I’d rather win state with a 15:00 flat than run 14:15.
How did you get into cross country?
My family. I had two older brothers who ran. My dad ran in high school. I wasn’t forced into it. I just kind of wanted to run.
Have you decided on a college?
Florida State. The atmosphere of being with the team. Coach (Bob) Braman took his team to nationals nine straight years.
Favorite event from the Olympics?
The 10,000-meter run. Galen Rupp (U.S.) got second and Mohamed Farah first for Great Britain. The tide is turning. America is going to be one of the best distance programs.
Favorite sport?
Besides running I love basketball. I was on travel teams. I figured I could do more in running.
Favorite pigout food?
I love chicken wings. I like spicy food and you can make your chicken wings pretty hot.
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Matthew McConaughey.
Who’s the one person you’d like to meet?
Ronald Reagan. He was a great president. His word is what went, even if people didn’t like it.
What will you remember most about high school?
My sophomore year, the team winning the state championship. As of now nothing can beat that.
As told to Tim Tierney
