I’m Daniel Grauer, a class of 2025 distance runner for Mount Zion High School in Illinois. I finished my junior year with PRs of 15:46 in the 3-mile, 4:32 in the 1600, 9:52 in the 3200, and 1:59 in the 800. I am a three-time 2A State Qualifier in Cross Country and have qualified for 2A State Track and Field in the 3200, the 1600 and as part of a 4×800 team. My goals for my senior year are a 15:15 3-mile, 4:20 1600, and a 9:30 3200. As I prepare for my senior seasons, I have increased my mileage per week logging more miles than ever before to help ensure that I achieve my goals

The team is the most important thing to me in cross country and track. Not how they perform, but the people they are. The uplifting culture and pride the team creates are so important to me as an athlete. That’s what I want most out of a collegiate program. As of now, I have an unweighted 3.6 GPA, but I know I can grow and apply myself even more in the coming school year. I have also been volunteering as a part of Key Club.  

Coming into this last year, I can only think of Coach Bill Harbeck, who passed away earlier this Summer. Coach taught all of us not only the fundamentals of the sport but larger lessons about dedication and about approaching each day with a “positive mental attitude.” I am extremely excited to see what this year brings and look forward to what college running will be like. For more information, please email me at danielgrauer2025@gmail.com.