Despite the pressure of being a three-season athlete, senior Josh Grinage continues to play on the varsity boys’ basketball team. Grinage enjoys all aspects of the game, whether it requires him to devote hours on end to practice or spend late nights studying for tests instead of resting.

Not only does Grinage play basketball, but his summer and fall seasons are dedicated to football, and in the spring he plays baseball. Earlier in his high school career, Grinage struggled trying to balance school work, sports and sleep. As a senior, however, he has a more relaxed schedule and can therefore deal with these extracurriculars.

“My senior year is not as bad because I have lighter classes, but I still get worn out and end up not resting as much as I should,” Grinage said. “I like the competition and the athletic challenge and feeding off of the other athlete’s energy.”

In basketball, Grinage plays the position of post and is comfortable in this spot, especially since he is a physical athlete and better at close shooting, he says.

“I’ve always played because I’ve always been more physical,” Grinage said. “But I’m not the best outside shooter, I’m better in the six feet to two feet shot range and getting rebounds. I’m just really comfortable in this position.”

Coach Josh Justin says that Grinage contributes a lot to the team. He says that Grinage willingly puts in the effort and also takes the initiative while playing.

“Not all basketball players are willing to hit or get hit by somebody; Josh is always willing to sacrifice his body for the team,” Justin said. “He will go after every loose ball and he is always willing to dive on the floor or in the stands.”

The first time Grinage played basketball was at the age of 13. Grinage’s dad influenced him to begin playing and to try out for the school team because he wanted Grinage to have no high school regrets.

“My dad said I should try it and I liked the sport, but I didn’t really want to at first,” Grinage said. “But he just continued to encourage me because his dad started working straight out of high school and regretted not playing sports.”

Justin says that Grinage has greatly improved and grown during his time on the team. For Grinage, a desire improvement comes every day, whether in team cooperation or personal skill.

“As the season has progressed Josh has become a much better basketball player,” Justin said. “He has started to develop a few new moves and he has developed his left hand. He has also become a much better post and perimeter defender.”

Fellow teammate Ryan Neufeld, ’12, appreciates Grinage’s energy on and off the court. Originally, Neufeld had imagined that Grinage’s ecstatic personality would be uncontrollable, but became confident when Grinage started playing.

“Grinage is a high quality guy, and he works very hard all the time,” Neufield said. “I thought he was going to be out of control, but he’s improved immensely.”

According to Justin, Grinage’s diligence on the court is his most distinctive quality. Justin is often impressed by Grinage’s intensity while playing.

“What’s very Christ-like about Josh is his hard working attitude,” Justin said. “He never complains and always does what is asked of him.”

As a teammate, freshman Lance Henderson sees Grinage as an intense athlete. Despite the physicality, Henderson personally knows Grinage to be a kind individual.

“He brings a lot of intensity and is a good teammate,” Henderson said. “I knew he’d be intense and physical and try to knock you down, but in reality, he’s a good guy.”

Both Neufield and Henderson agree that Grinage shows a bountiful amount of energy that builds up the team during games. Grinage’s presence on the court always positively changes the atmosphere, Neufeld says.

“He never stops playing hard; he’s very tenacious and he’s a loyal teammate,” Neufeld said. “He’s been a spark of the bench and is a physical force down low.”

However, Grinage’s experience on the field has not always been amazing. Similarly to all athletes, Grinage has experienced both awkward and angry moments.

“One time I scored on the wrong basket. It was in junior high and at first I was excited, but when someone told me what I’d done, I felt pretty stupid,” Grinage said. “In games, I do get upset and fired up, but I try to encourage the team and get them more focused. Sometimes, I’ll ask the coach what I need to do to improve.”

Despite negative moments, Justin says that Grinage’s attitude always pulls through the game.

“Josh has great work ethic,” Justin said. “This is apparent everyday by his willingness to give everything he has every time he steps on the floor.”

For more information on the team’s season, visit Boys’ basketball sport shorts: Eagles fly together, defeat Tranquillity . For more features, read the Feb. 10 article, CTI utilizes gifts to spread Gospel.