Tilghman runner Grant signs with Hilltoppers By Mike Stunson mstunson@paducahsun Aleja Grant will follow in the footsteps - literally and figuratively - of her head coach, as the Paducah Tilghman senior made her college decision on Tuesday. Choosing to sign with Western Kentucky University to compete on the cross country and track and field teams, Grant follows a similar path as her coach, Heather Hamilton, who was recruited by the same coach. All of the other schools who showed interest in Grant did so via letters, but WKU reached out to her over the phone. They called me and we talked about it, and they invited me for a visit, she said. I was hooked after the visit. They said everything I wanted to hear. They mainly want to focus on my education and make sure I get through school, and thats very important to me. Grant said she didnt consider any other schools following her visit to WKU, and will plan on majoring in physical therapy. Grant swept the distance races at last falls regional state track and field championships, on her way to runner-up finishes in the 800 and 1,600 at state for the second consecutive year. In 2012 as a freshman, she won the state championship in the 3,200-meter run. Despite her success in track, Grants favorite sport remains cross country. Grant has won four straight cross country regional championships, and completed her fourth straight top-four finish at state this season. You cant put into words the impact she has had on the program here, Hamilton said. The recognition the school has received because of her, her accomplishments on and off the track ... shes given the school a lot of good publicity. Erik Jenkins, who recruited Hamilton and now Grant to WKU, will make the Tilghman runner even better, said Hamilton. He expects nothing but the best and strives for nothing but the best, Hamilton said. Thats what Aleja strives for in a coach: someone who can push her to her limits. Hamilton (then Heather Hammond) ran for the Hilltoppers from 2005-2009. She said WKU will be the perfect fit for Grant, whom she has coached for five years after arriving in Paducah following her graduation. Its awesome to have coaches that went there to try and continue on that legacy, Grant said.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 18:30:26 +0000
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