Conroe Oak Ridge Star Nick Grams Is Turning It On

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Nick Grams knew he just needed the right race to prove to himself and to others the talent level he was ready to take things up to.

After a strong 2022 track and field season that saw him drop 4:20, 9:19 PRs and and 15:37 in cross as a junior, the Conroe Oak Ridge was ready for his senior year. Combine those times on the track along with the strong off season of training, Grams would be ready for a breakout year and to build a strong recruiting case for himself.

So far this season, Grams had only run in the high 15s including a 15:48 SB. The big time runs and performances hadn't come. Nevertheless, he wasn't deterred; Grams knew it was only a matter of time. He told himself that he just needed the right race against the right competition and everything would fall into place.

Last Saturday, that confidence combined with his patience paid off. At the Nike South Invitational, in The Woodlands, the right mix was produced and that allowed Grams to display to everybody what he was capable of. He finished third behind the 2021 UIL 6A cross country state champion Kevin Sanchez and three-time UIL state meet qualifier Oliver Maldonado.

A third place against some of the best runners in Texas and Oklahoma was just what he expected from himself. However, what may not have been expected was how fast the time was and its relevance compared to the past. Grams helped push the pace to produce historic numbers at the Bear Branch Park course. When compared to the outstanding runners in the past who have competed in the park, Grams and several other boys look poised for a special second half of the cross country season.

Sanchez won with the No. 2 all-time performance (14:57)on the course, Maldonado ran the No. 4 all-time performance (15:07), and Grams now owns the No. 8 all-time performance with his 15:10.

He discussed things pertaining to his running career, Nike South, and his Oak Ridge squad.