MDI’s Osborne and Grierson Heading North to UMPI

The UMPI Owls have gained 2 of MDI's best runners, as seniors Katelyn Osborne and Stephen Grierson have committed to attend the University of Maine Presque Isle in the Fall of 2020 and join the Cross Country and Track and Field Programs.

From the UMPI release

Grierson, in his four years at MDI ran Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field. During those years, he was named to the Cross Country Northern Maine Champion Team, the XC PVC 2nd team, the Indoor Track All-Academic Team, and the 2018 State Championship Team. Grierson has put up some impressive personal records over his years running: 5k: 17:59.80   1600m: 4:53.32   800m: 2:05.80   400m: 54.72.

When Grierson's coach at MDI, Coach Aaron Long, was asked about his former athlete. He spoke on his character as a runner and a young man. "A quiet leader who was really coming into his own.  He's always been really talented, but his belief in himself really started to click at the end of his junior year.  He had a great summer of training that led directly into a very successful XC season and a runner-up finish in the 800 meters Indoor."

UMPI's Coach Smith spoke about Grierson's ability to help the UMPI programs. "After watching Stephen in Cross Country and Track meets the last two years I knew he was an up and coming runner.  He demonstrated his determination at an indoor meet I attended last winter in setting his 800m personal best.  Pairing him with our returning athletes will give us increased depth in Cross Country.  We are very excited to have him join us.  The coaching at MDI high school is superior, and Stephen's background will make him very coachable."

Osborne, also ran Cross Country and Track & Field in her four years at MDI under coach Long. When Long was asked about Osborne, "You will not find a more kind, hardworking individual.  Katelyn has a drive to be successful, but it's surpassed by her desire to ensure those around her are as equally successful.  She's a leader, a friend, and a person who makes everyone around her better."

Osborne is not only a successful leader but she's also a successful runner, in her time at MDI she was part of their 4X800 state championship team twice, got fifth in in Class B states in Cross Country her Junior year all while setting personal records year after year in both Cross Country and Track. Her PR's include 1600M in 5:40, 3200M in 12:28, 800M in 2:31, and 200M in 29.30.

Coach Smith spoke about Osborne's potential, "An athlete with the talent and dedication of Katelyn will be a strong addition to our programs.  Katelyn is personable and outgoing as she strongly demonstrated when she came for her campus visit.  She has the ability to run the longer distances, which is supported by her fundamental speed that is evident at shorter distances.  She comes from strong and long established programs down at MDI High School and her experience will carry over to the collegiate level."