Jesse Kessler and Gregg Knappe both knew they wanted to run track in college and Oakland University is giving them the chance to do it together.
Kessler and Knappe both signed letters of intent to run track for Oakland on June 6.
Kessler was a member of the Wolves 1600-meter relay team which qualified for the state finals.
Knappe runs the 100, 200 and 400-meters, but battled a hamstring injury this season. Knappe finished in third place at regionals in both the 100 and 200 meters his junior year.
The Golden Grizzlies? track program is Division I, but is young with last season being their first in existence. Knappe said he liked the idea of Oakland having such a new program, which was one of the reasons he choose to go there.
‘I want to be a part of one of their first teams and help them build a program,? Knappe said.
Clarkston Boys Track Coach Walt Wyniemko said he thinks the program being new should be positive for the two.
‘Oakland is a new program so they can learn,? Wyniemko said. ‘They won’t be thrown to the wolves. There will be a chance for them to develop as the program develops.?
Knappe was the first to be offered a scholarship by Oakland and helped Kessler get in contact with the coach. Once Kessler decided to sign, Knappe made the decision to also.
Kessler said signing with Oakland, was a dream come true because he knew he wanted to run college track.
‘When I signed, I thought I finally did it. I accomplished my goals,? Kessler said. ‘It made me extremely happy and it made me realize all my hard work had paid off.?
Wyniemko said he felt good when two of his athletes signed with a Division I program.
‘It’s great for the program and it’s a great opportunity for them. I think it’s good for the OAA,? Wyniemko said. ‘We all hope we played a small factor in getting them there. I think being in this league helped prepare them.?