Michael McCloy, Gruver track and field, Sr.
On the track: Behind McCloy the Gruver Greyhounds tallied 143 points to back their district title up with an area championship last week in Wellington.
Like he did at the district meet, McCloy put on quite the display qualifying for the Region I-2A track and field meet in five events.
McCloy brought home four golds and was a part of the Greyhounds qualifying mile relay team.
The senior cleared 15-feet-6 inches for a gold in the pole vault and leaped 20-9 to win the long jump. In the running events, he made it a sweep of the hurdle races with a 15.60 to win the 110-hurdles and a 42.41 for a win in the 300-meter hurdles.
Head coach Steven Livingston: “Michael is a very unique athlete and very versatile. He qualified to the regional meet in five events but he’s at the top of all five of those in his jumps and times and that’s what makes him unique. Michael is one of those athletes I can put him in any event, and he’ll compete at any level. He’s that type of guy. His growth in the hurdles has been phenomenal even though the pole vault is his event. Being a senior, he could have just pole vaulted, but he wanted to do it all and be there for his team. I’m happy to see the success he is having because he puts in all the work.”
McCloy: “I think we did extremely as a team at the regional meet last week. We want to continue to fight and give ourselves a chance at a regional title this weekend. I feel I’ve gotten a lot better in the pole vault. I’m a foot better than last year. It helps when my cousin (Pratt McLain) is practicing with me every day. He’s a phenomenal pole vaulter and It couldn’t give me any better competition. I just want to keep putting in the extra work it takes to get to state and make it a big weekend at regionals.”
About McCloy
Favorite band or musician: Kenny Chesney
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: KC Lightfoot
Bet you didn’t know: He loves to play golf.
Parents: Marty and Molly McCloy