Nick Gray

Nicholas Gray "Nick"  is a sophmore at Pickerington North High School.  He has been involved in track and field since he was 5 years old.   During his tenure at Lakeview Jr. High Nick had an impressive 7th and 8th grade season.  Nick was a member of the the Pacesetters Middle School team, which one the Middle School Championship. and he made varsity at his high school, Pickerington North, as a freshman. As a freshman Nick also was on the winning team for the OCC title and the team came in 2nd in the State Championship. Nick has been with the Pacesetter Track Club since he was 10 years old.  Through his tenure as a Pacesetter Nick has qualified for the Jr. Olympics each year and has medaled 3 times, long jump, 4x200 relay team and most recently the open 400.  Nick is looking forward to continuing his track and field endeavors with the Pacesetter Track Club and in time a college or university.

Desmond Palmer

Dez has had a decorated career as a track and field athlete that begin in the 8th grade.  He was the Middle School State Champion in the 110 H and open 400.  His team won the Middle School State Championship.  He'll graduate a 4-year Varsity letterman.  He was a 2012 State Finalist in the 300 H (2nd), 110 H(5th), 4x200(2nd) relay and 4x400(6th) relay.   He lead his team to their 3rd OCC Division title, District title, Regional title and State runner-up.  He is the District and Regional Champion in the 110 and 300 Hurdles.  Dez also placed 5th in the 400 hurdles in the 2012 Junior World Team Meet.  Desmond's most recent honor is being placed on the "wall of honor"  for state finalist.  Desmond is the recorder holder in the 110H, 300H, 4x200 relay team, Shuttle hurdle relay team, 4x400 relay team and the sprint medley relay team.  Desmond wil be attending the University of Pittburg this fall.

Riak Reese

OHRunners:  What would you attribute your success thus far this year to in comparison to your Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years?

Riak:  First of all, all the glory goes to God. I could not be where I am today or have any success at all without Jesus Christ. There have been a lot of people who have helped me through the process of becoming the best athlete I can be. I have a whole team of supporters and coaches, as well as teammates who push me past my limits and help me reach my expectations. My dad has been and is a huge reason that I’ve been able to progress so much from my freshman year to now. He’s spent hours upon hours researching and studying certain things to help me get better. I do most of my training with him and he invests so much time into giving me advice and motivation to reach new heights. My mom has provided a lot of support as well and has also been one of my biggest fans. She has taught me so much and has had a major impact on who I am as a person. My parents have invested a lot of money and time into my track career and I would not have half the opportunities that I’ve had without them. Also, my summer coaches (Chris Simon, Jamie Hence, Darian Noble)  have had a major impact on my development as a runner. They have spent a lot of time working with me and shaping me into the sprinter that I am today. They have a lot of experience at the highest level and always push me past my breaking point. I try to take as much information as I can from them and apply it to every race so that I can continue to improve.

Ronald Bonner, III