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Injuries can’t stop Boardman’s Grantonic
By Curtis Pulliam
Sometimes, even the best runners fall down.
Just ask Boardman senior Jordan Grantonic.
“It was just a combination of things,” said Grantonic, who suffered a stress fracture last March. “Too much running caused my bones not to be strong enough.”
If one injury wasn’t enough, coach Stacey Hunter says Grantonic found out she had two stress fractures.
“It was very frustrating for her,” said Hunter, who has been Grantonic’s distance coach throughout high school. “She found out after one of her best races too.”
Fortunately for Grantonic she had done enough before her injury to sign a national letter of intent with Youngstown State. She will compete in any distance event that’s asked of her.
“There were other schools [interested] but I felt like I belonged at YSU,” Grantonic said.
Grantonic was also recruited by Ohio University and Bucknell.
“I think it is a great fit for her,” Hunter said. “She is very familiar with the program and has followed it. I think for her she gets to travel but she’s also close to home. It’s the best of both worlds for her.”
As a freshman, Grantonic earned second team all-Federal League honors in cross country.
She also made the indoor state championship in the 3200 meter run.
In the indoor meet this past year she finished fifth and earned all-state honors.
“She is one of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever been around,” Hunter said.
For Grantonic the honors just come with competing.
“They are a representation of what I have went through and how hard I’ve worked,” Grantonic said. “There have been some bright spots.”
But for now Grantonic is focused on returning for the outdoor season.
“I want to have the best outdoor track season of my career,” Grantonic said. “I would like to make it to states and get my 3200-meter run under 11 minutes.”
Her goals will be tough to reach this season because she is still battling the injury but her previously routine of 50-60 miles a week should help her while rehabbing.
Hunter says Grantonic says is a different type of athlete.
“She is a quiet leader,” Hunter said. “I think kids see her and naturally follow her. It is important to our team, especially the younger teammates.”
While Grantonic has done well at the high school level, Hunter believes it will be different at the Division I level.
“The distance is longer but she will adjust quickly,” Hunter said. “She has a great support and I think she will be just fine.”
Grantonic thanked Hunter for helping her through the difficult recovery.
“She has taught me so much,” Grantonic said. “She taught me to never give up and to stay strong. She has helped me through this whole thing.”
Grantonic says the injuries have made her see things in a different light.
“I am thankful for my abilities,” Grantonic said. “Not everybody can do what I do. It has helped me put things into perspective.”