Roemer to Run at U of M

Saline High School senior Garrick Roemer has some business to take care of before he moves on to the University of Michigan where he’ll continue his studies and track career.

Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by coaches and family, Roemer signed a letter of intent to run for the Wolverines.

“I’m so excited about it, growing up just down the street. It’s been a dream of mine these last couple years,” said Roemer, son of Cathy and Milan Radovich.

But Roemer, undefeated this year in the 400-meter race, has a few things to do yet in a Saline Hornet uniform.

Friday, he and the Hornets take aim at the regional track and field championship being held at . Roemer wants to take the 400 title. His 4-by-400-relay team is also shooting at the regional championship.

He’s also got another goal in mind.
“My personal best in the 400 is 49.1 seconds. The school record is 48.68 seconds. I’ve run a 48.4 in the 4-by-4, so…we’ll see what happens,” Roemer said.

Roemer will also run in the 4-by-200 and 4-by-100 relays.

It’s been a great season for the Saline boys, who are undefeated and have been ranked first or second in the state all season.

“It’s been great. Our team is undefeated. Our 4-by-4 is undefeated. Steven Bastien hasn’t lost in long jump. I haven’t lost in the 400. We’ve got a miler (Logan Wetzel) who hasn’t lost,” Roemer said. “I’m excited to see how it plays out at regionals and states.”

Roemer attributes his success to two solid years of hard work. After watching his friends run varsity track, Roemer decided following his sophomore year that he wanted to be out there, too.

“After my sophomore year, I went out to the track every day in the summer. And then I went every day after school. The hard work paid off,” said Roemer. “I really didn’t think college track was an option for me. I didn’t know how fast I was going to get. But when I started running again as a junior I realized I was pretty fast.”

One event Roemer won’t be running Friday is the hurdles. But that could change at U of M, where Roemer is expected to run the 400 and 400 hurdles. Roemer has run the 300 hurdles before, but not often — partly because the race takes place so close to the 400 meters.

“They think I’ve got the frame of a hurdler,” said Roemer, who is 6’5. “I’m a little nervous about it, but I’m excited too.”