Rio Track & Field adds Eastern’s Lawrence
Eastern High School's Keri Lawrence poses with her parents and Rio Grande coaches after signing to continue her track & field career with the RedStorm. Pictured are, from left to right, (seated) Tim Lawrence, Kenda Lawrence, Keri Lawrence, Rio Grande director of track & field/cross country Steve Gruenberg, Rio Grande assistant coach Nick Wilson.
REEDSVILLE, Ohio – University of Rio Grande director of track & field/cross country Steve Gruenberg has announced the signing of Eastern High School standout Keri Lawrence for the 2014-15 school year.
Lawrence, a 5-foot-6 distance/mid-distance runner, is closing out a solid prep career for head coach Josh Fogle’s Eagles.
Lawrence is a two-time state meet qualifier, in addition to an All-Tri-Valley Conference selection, the TVC High Point Award winner, an All-Southeast District honoree and the Southeast District Athlete of the Year.
“I’m really excited and can’t wait to start my college running career,” Lawrence said. “This is something I’ve planned on doing since my freshman year in high school. I’m very happy to have the opportunity.”
Lawrence has competed in a plethora of events during her prep career including the 100-meter hurdles, the 1,600-meter run, the 200-meter dash, the 300-meter hurdles, the 400-meter dash, the 800-meter run, the high jump and the long jump.
She also ran the 55- and 60-meter hurdles during the indoor season, as well as competing in cross country each of the past three years.
This spring, Lawrence has established career-best showings in the 100 (16.01), the 400 (1:04.20), the 1,600 (5:35.14) and the pole vault (7-2).
Her versatility was a key factor in drawing the interest of the Rio coaching staff.
“Keri will come in and compete for a top seven varsity spot on our cross country right away. For track, she’s a jack-of-all trades,” said Gruenberg. “Keri’s one of our best hurdle prospects for the 100 hurdles and 400 hurdles. She also runs fantastic times in the 400 and 800 and has even ran a 5:35 mile the first time she ran it. Keri will be a lot of fun to coach because she will do whatever is best for the sake of the team.”
Lawrence, who chose to sign with Rio after also receiving interest from Marietta College, said the proximity to home and the chance to get better were the key factors in her decision to sign.
“I like the fact that Rio is close by and I think I can improve there,” said Lawrence, who will major in Art Education. “I plan on improving in the hurdles and mid-distance, but I think I can be a help to both the cross country and track programs. I just want to PR in my events and finish as high as I can in conference meets.”
Lawrence is the daughter of Tim and Kenda Lawrence of Reedsville.
