Beecher boys cross country and track star Grant Nykaza will take his talents south to the Sunshine State.
Nykaza committed to Florida State over the weekend and said it was more than just the warm weather and sunshine that lured him.
"They have a great cross country and track program, and the chance to be a part of that is a great opportunity," he said.
Nykaza said he chose Florida State over Syracuse, Oklahoma and Missouri and plans to major in criminology.
"My goal has always been to eventually work for the FBI," Nykaza said. "Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to be an FBI agent. I realize it will take some time, but that is my goal, and I want to pursue it when my running career is over."
The Seminoles won the 2012 NCAA Division I program of the year by the United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association.
"I liked the coach (Bob Braman), and like everyone else says, I just felt real comfortable with the team and the school," Nykaza said. "They are in the nationals every year, and that says a lot."
Not many people have caught Nykaza as he was second last year in the Class 1A state cross country meet and is favored to win this year. He was the Class 1A 1,600-meter champ in 2011. His best 3-mile time is 14 minutes, 36 seconds at the Palatine Invitational.
"I just want to focus on running and getting to state," Nykaza said. "You have to go one race at a time starting with (Saturday's Class 1A Bishop McNamara) regional, then sectionals. I want to get to state first, and I just have to run hard every race."
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