Graeson Ruch is an outstanding three-sport athlete who is on the court or the field 365 days a year playing basketball, football, and track and field. On February 5, he was one out of eight athletes who signed their National Letters of Intent, and Ruch signed his for track and field for Dickinson University (Division III) in Carlisle, PA. 

Over his four years of high school. Ruch’s natural athleticism and hard work have propelled him to  phenomenal heights. Specifically, for track and field, his coach Bill Eckard says going into Regional competition,  Ruch is second in the region, fifth in the state, and seventh all-time at LHS for throwing. His uncle, field events coach David Bly, has guided him through this journey.

“I never expected to reach these goals. All of this just sort of came together, and I’m so grateful,” said Ruch.

Ruch has made great progress with shot put as well as discus. His shot put PR  increased from  29 ft, 10 his first season to a surprising 47 ft, 8 in by the time he reached senior year, and he still has the season of outdoor track and field in his future.

Another notable attribute is Graeson’s team leadership with his best friend/rival, Ethan Hart. Both are team captains. Hart has also signed to Dickinson for track and field, and they plan to have their college experience by each other’s side. 

“Definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity for sure, I couldn’t ask for anything better. Maybe we’ll be roommates?” said Ruch.

“My throw team, whom I’ve been coaching for about eleven or twelve years, has never been as good as it is today, and I credit Graeson and Ethan,” said Coach Eckard.

Ruch’s  current shot put PR of 47 ft, 8 in, puts him nearly  at the top of the Dickinson track and field record holders.  If he performs equally well next year, he would rank fifth in Dickinson’s top 10 shot put record list of all time. He would’ve beaten Casey Caslin  (47 ft, 1.75 in [2013]) and would be just shy of beating Corwyn Gordon (47 ft, 9.25 in [2012]).