Meigs High Track & Field Duo Signs with Rio Grande
Meigs High School track & field standouts Jordan Hutton and Adrianna Rowe are joined by family, coaches and adminstrators as they sign to continue their respective careers at the University of Rio Grande. Pictured are , from left to right, (seated) Adrianna Rowe, Rio Grande coach Steve Gruenberg, Jordan Hutton; (standing) Dreama English, Meigs High track coach Mike Kennedy, Meigs High School principal Steve Ohlinger, Chris Hutton and Shelly Adams.
POMEROY, Ohio – University of Rio Grande director of track & field/cross country Steve Gruenberg has announced the signings of Meigs High School standouts Jordan Hutton and Adrianna Rowe for the 2014-15 school year.
Hutton, a 5-foot-9 sprinter, and Rowe, a 5-foot-2 sprinter, are both currently in the process of closing out their respective prep careers for head coach Michael Kennedy’s Marauders.
Hutton has competed in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash events for MHS. His top time in each of the three events came during his sophomore year. He has run, primarily, in the 100 this spring.
“I’m thankful for all the support that my team and my family have shown me,” Hutton said. “I’m extremely honored to have the opportunity to continue my career with the RedStorm next year. It’s something I’ve thought about since I was about six years old – when I first started running.”
Rowe has competed in the 100-meter dash and the long jump this spring, while also taking part in the 200-meter dash and the 100-meter hurdles during her prep career. Her top showing of 14-0 in the long jump came earlier this year.
“Having this opportunity is something I’ve dreamed about since I was in the fifth grade,” said Rowe. “I’m thankful, honored, excited and extremely nervous.”
For Rowe, the signing was an example of her own self-assessment being proven wrong.
“My coach, my best friend and my fellow tracksters always encouraged me to go for it,’ she said. “I always thought I wouldn’t be good enough, but with their help and support, it helped me strive to be the best I could be.”
Rowe, who plans to major in Nursing, picked Rio Grande over the University of Charleston.
“Adrianna is full of excitement and passion for her sport and has a great attitude,” said Gruenberg. “I think that with the proper training and great teammates around her that she’ll develop into a good runner and jumper for us.”
Hutton, who also garnered interest from Augusta (Ky.) College and Bluffton University, pointed toward two specific factors in his decision to sign with the RedStorm.
“I really like the direction that the program is headed in,” said Hutton, who plans to major in Radiology. “And I also love the university.”
“Jordan is a great kid who will develop once he gets here,” Gruenberg said. “I believe that with his strength from football that he’ll be able to become a good sprinter. I’m excited to have his work ethic on the team and I believe that it’ll be contagious.”
Both signees admitted that there are portions of their craft that need improvement, but added that they’re ready to get the process started.
“I need to work on my block starts, but I think I’ll bring a lot of heart and hard work to the program,” Hutton said. “My ultimate goal is to make it to nationals.”
“I can get better with my form in the long jump, my ability to pace myself and my block starts,” said Rowe. “I’ve got a little bit of a sassy attitude, but I want to have fun and support my teammates. I just want to get better, to win and to help my team.”
Hutton is the son of Shelly Adams and Chris Hutton of Rutland, Ohio.
Rowe is the daughter of Cindy and Anthony Rowe of Pomeroy.
