Tolliver to run for RedStorm

RIVERSIDE, Ohio – University of Rio Grande director of track & field/cross country Steve Gruenberg has announced the signing of Stebbins High School standout Todd Tolliver for the 2014-15 school year.

Tolliver, a 5-foot-10, 125-pound distance runner, enjoyed a solid prep career for head coach Sam Bell’s cross country team and coach Eric Spahr’s track squad. He ran the 5,000-meter run and two mile run in the fall, while competing in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter events in the spring.

Tolliver set personal-best times in three of the four events as a senior, posting finishes of 11:07 in the two-mile, 4:48.28 in the 1,600 and 10:52.98 in the 3,200. His top time in the 5,000 of 17:58.32 came during his junior season.

“I’m excited to sign with Rio Grande,” Tolliver said. “It’s been a goal of mine, probably since the winter of my sophomore year, to run collegiately. I’ve worked hard to improve from my initial time of 24:08 in the 5k to reach this level.”

Tolliver was his team’s Most Valuable Player during the 2013 cross country season and captured the school’s Most Improved Runner award in 2010. He was a Special Honorable Mention selection to the All-Central Buckeye Conference team in the fall of 2013 and also won the CBC’s Sportsmanship Award.

“Todd is a guy who I don’t think has even come close to his potential. His time improvements this year prove that,” Gruenberg said. “He also is very passionate about running and someone who wants to get better at what he does. Those are the type of athletes who you like to coach.”

Tolliver, who plans to major in Accounting, chose to sign with the RedStorm after also receiving interest from a handful of other schools including Bluffton University, Trine University and Notre Dame College.

“I really like the campus and felt like I can mesh with the team and the environment,” he said. ” I know that I need to continue to improve on my speed throughout my college career, but I think I can bring dedication and passion to succeed to the program. My ultimate goal is become a varsity runner and place in the top 25.”

Tolliver is the son of Kevin and Janet Tolliver of Riverside.