Before he became a 3200-meter state champion on the track, Harbor Beach’s Brody Karg made his decision to run at the next level. Karg recently signed with Oakland University to run cross country with the Division 1 Golden Grizzlies this upcoming fall.
But like any process, it was not easy for Karg. He said Oakland was a school he contacted late in the recruiting process.
“I felt like (Oakland) was what I was looking for,” he said. “It felt like the whole team was serious about it. They wanted more out of themselves. The coaches were very professional. They have coaching styles that take from different ideals. The facilities were a step above. I’m exciting to compete at the Division 1 level.
Karg will study mechanical engineering at the university, but also said he is undecided about his future career plans.
“Out of all the school I’ve looked at, Oakland had the most impressive degree (in mechanical engineering),” he said. “I felt like I wasn’t going to have to sacrifice one for the other. I could enjoy both at the fullest. I enjoy doing things like mechanical engineering, so I have interests in coming back home as an adult, but we’ll see where it takes me.”
On the track and cross country fields, coach Debbie Anderson challenged Karg, and allowed him to participate in bigger-school meets. Karg said those meets helped him.
“Those felt like big moments,” he said. “Focusing on a big moment like that feels normal. It doesn’t feel as big for (those in the bigger schools competing). That will come in handy at the Division 1 level. It’ll feel much bigger for me, where it may not feel that way for others.”
“He earned that,” Anderson added. “He produced well and trained hard. We couldn’t do anything for him at North Park. It was nice for him to do two extra meets during cross country and two extra meets during track season. It’s great to be able to offer him that. He flourished from that.”
With a bigger coaching staff at the NCAA Division 1 school, Anderson is excited to see how Brody will do.
“I’m excited to see what Brody will do with a full coaching staff,” she said. “He’s getting to know some of the kids. He’ll have a great time at Oakland. I couldn’t want more from him. He’s such a great kid. He’s earned this, worked so hard for this. Going to a Division 1 school is exactly what he needs.”
“Signing is a stressful thing to go through,” she added. “He was able to narrow down his selections in a mature way. His parents helped him, that’s what they’re there for. They gave him solid advice on the way. Oakland has a great program. I’m thrilled for Brody.”
Anderson’s advice for Karg is to enjoy his time at Oakland, and with his teammates.
“Work hard, in both academics and athletics,” she said. “But also, enjoy it. You enjoy what you do, it will go by fast. Make memories.”
“He’s such a great kid from a great family,” she added. “I wish him the best of luck. Harbor Beach will definitely miss him.”
Karg will begin his academic and athletic career for the Golden Grizzlies this upcoming fall.