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Craig's Hrycay to run in Bluegrass Country

JANESVILLE — A trip to Kentucky sold Spencer Hrycay that it was time for a move south.

Next year, the Janesville Craig cross country and track athlete will be a Wildcat. On Tuesday, Hrycay signed a national letter of intent to run for the University of Kentucky beginning next fall.

"My cross country coach, Brian Lawton, sent an email out to Division I coaches and Kentucky was one of the schools that contacted us and wanted me to come visit," Hrycay said. "When I got there it was awesome, and I knew that's where I wanted to go."

Hrycay had previously taken visits to Loyola, Iowa State and Nebraska, but fell in love with Kentucky's campus and the warmer climate.

The two-time all-state cross country runner (honorable mention as a junior and second-team last fall) plans to run cross country as well as distance events in both indoor and outdoor track and field.

"All four years he was on our varsity team," Lawton said. "He ran at the state cross country meet. I think he holds three of our school's records at courses in the state. He's just had an outstanding four years. To get to that level says a lot about who you are."

Hrycay said the Division I dream took over when he saw former teammate Tommy Meister go through the recruiting process and wind up at Duke.

"My times were close to his," Hrycay said. "At that point, that became my goal.

"The coaches we have here are great and it's an honor to join (Meister and former Craig runner Josh Lund, who also attended Duke). I'm excited for the competition in the SEC."

Hrycay also thanked his high school coaches for their extra effort in not only working with him at his events, but the extra effort in helping his recruitment process.

"He's a bright kid that works incredibly hard in the classroom and so hard as an athlete," Lawton said. "What people don't see is getting up early and the amount of hours trying to find a way to get better.

"He's earned it, that's for sure."