You may know Lake Highlands’ Isaac Grieder as a wrestler. After all, he won a state title on the mat this year.
However, Grieder is also an accomplished pole vaulter and that’s the sport he will pursue in college after signing a scholarship letter Tuesday with the University of Lousiana at Monroe.
"I’m happy that I don’t have to worry about this anymore," said Grieder after the signing in the LH Student Center where he was accompanied by his mother, Pam, and father, Pete, the longtime wrestling coach at LH.
Grieder finished fourth in the pole vault at last year’s state meet. His personal best is 15-6 and but believes he can go much higher in college.
"I can go 17, I just never had a chance to work at it full-time with the wrestling," said Grieder.
LH boys track coach Russell Urbantke is also confident about Grieder’s future in the pole vault, as well as another track and field event.
"He’s probably going to be a decathlete," Urbantke said. "He’s an excellent 110 hurdler and pole vaulter, and that’s the two hardest things in the decathlon."
Coach Grieder said it was "kind of a relaxing feeling" watching Isaac sign his scholarship letter. He said Isaac had also been recruited by New Mexico, but that ULM’s offer was more substantial. Also, ULM has an aviation degree, which meshes with Isaac’s desire to be a pilot.
The Grieders have an older son, Luke, who is a junior at Texas State and a younger son, T.J., who is an eighth grader at LHJH.
