Gilmer Ready To Sculpt Future At Grace
SYRACUSE – In a career move not often heard of by an athlete, pottery was a primary motive for Wawasee High School senior Jacob ‘JJ’ Gilmer to choose a college. Factoring in the art program, the proximity to family, and the track and field program, Gilmer penned his intentions Tuesday morning to sign on with Grace College.
While several schools across the country had an interest in Gilmer’s athletic talents, it was pottery and his love for art that led Gilmer to Grace. Citing most of the schools on his list didn’t have the right art program for him, Grace did, and the decision was pretty simple.
“I was looking for something to do after high school that I will do for the rest of my life,” began Gilmer. “I’ve always liked art and my art classes. My grandpa also works at Grace. I just fell in love with it. I can work with it.”
Gilmer’s athletic talents have spoken for themselves. A two-time state finalist in high jump, Gilmer’s fourth-place finish his sophomore year bookended a banner year that had Gilmer win the sectional and regional that season. As a junior, Gilmer was second at the NLC, sectional and regional and 12th at state in high jump. He was named All-NLC his sophomore and junior seasons.
Already having surpassed 22 feet in long jump and 6-7 in high jump, Grace College track coach Jeff Raymond is thrilled to have the multi-faceted Gilmer headed to campus.
“JJ has already had a great high school career before this year and his PR in high jump (6-7) is at the national qualifier height right now,” Raymond said. “His long jump at 22 feet would be in the top four in the Crossroads League. With some consistency, he could go a long way.
“His running intrigues me. I haven’t seen him run yet, but know he is on the school-record relay team here, which tells me a lot. We have four freshmen on our 4×100, and would love to see if he could fit in with a relay.”
Gilmer stated he would eventually be interested in becoming an art teacher or possibly a studio artist. On campus, Gilmer will major in art and minor in graphic design.