Goodrich – A high school senior, Grant Overcashier has been accepted to Brown University in Providence, R.I. and has been given a scholarship to attend the prestigious Ivy League college.
‘I couldn’t believe it,? said Overcashier. ‘Being accepted and having them give me a scholarship is really exciting. Even though I have always made it a goal to attend an Ivy League college, I never thought I would actually get accepted.?
The yearly tuition at Brown University, Overcashier said, costs about $51,100. However, the scholarship he has received from the university will cover $16,980 per year.
A two-time runner-up in individual wrestling at state competitions, it was just last weekend when Overcashier scored his 200th individual win during state team competition.
Born with abnormal pupils, Overcashier said he has tunnel vision and doesn’t have any peripheral vision. He said when he was a little boy, doctors told him he would not be able to participate in sports.
‘I always wanted to prove them wrong,? said Overcashier. ‘That is why I have worked so hard to accomplish my goals.?
When Overcashier was 13, he fell out of a tree and broke his sternum in half.
‘I learned so much about physical therapy during that time in my life,? he said. ‘It really inspired me. That’s when I knew it was what I wanted to do.?
Overcashier said he is hoping to be a physical therapist at the Olympic Games sometime in the future.
Although he is one of the top wrestlers in the state, he was recruited by Brown University primarily for his outstanding academic record. ‘I was recruited, they called me,? he said. ‘Brown University flew me out to the university to see the campus and the wrestling team.?
Overcashier said the campus was on the small side, but as soon as he walked around he knew that was the college for him.
Founded in 1764 as the College of Rhode Island, Brown University registered its first students in 1765.
‘It is so historical there. It was great to see the old buildings and imagine who some of the leaders may have been who attended the university before me,? he said.
Particularly impressed with their wrestling team, Overcashier said, ‘I chose Brown University because of the coaching staff they have there. The coaches are very focused and want to win in their Ivy League championship and eventually go to nationals with their team. Plus everyone was so nice, it felt like home to me.?
‘If I didn’t do well in something, my parents were always there encouraging me to go on to work harder and harder,? he said.