By Tom Rohrer
Was it exhaustion that kept Jake Grantham on the ground, or a desire to live in the moment he’s dreamed up for a few more seconds?
Following his 9-7 victory over Tom Harvey of Mt. Spokane in the 3A 220 lbs. state championship match, Grantham laid on his back, a single index finger pointing to the sky.
“I didn’t want to get up,” said Grantham “Not only was I tired, but I just wanted to stay in the moment.”
A fourth place finisher in the 195 lbs. division last year, Grantham led throughout the match and was able to withstand a spirited run by Harvey in the third and final round.
“He did a great job, kept his cool and did what he had to do,” said North Thurston head coach Dwight Long.
The victory was the culmination of a journey that was aided by his coaches and most importantly, his family.
“There’s nothing better than having your mind set on something for so long and finally accomplishing it,” Grantham said.
Surrounded by his parents and his friends, Grantham was quick to thank those who made the journey possible.
“They’ve driven me since I was four years old,” said Grantham of his parents. “They’ve taken me to every tournament, spent so much money on me to be involved in the sport. I just wanted to make him proud.”
Asked what he said to his coaches in the moments following his victory.
“I told them I loved them,” said Grantham, who will travel to Virginia Beach for the national high school tournament later this year. “They mean everything to me.”
