a scottish twist on Graduate student Willis Graves achieved his track and field dream through his unique hobby. Physical therapy graduate student Willis Graves stepped out of his comfort zone to discover a new hobby -- the Highland Games. The Highland Games were comprised of athletic events involving throwing and lifting. Originating in Scotland, the most noticeable characteristic of the Highland Games was that every participant wore a kilt during the events. Graves said he was always interested in throwing events but was afraid he would not be good at them. "I thought disk and shot put would be cool, but I didn't want to embarrass myself," Graves said. Graves was introduced to the Highland Games in 2017 after one of his friends participated. Graves practiced with his friend and then entered his first event in spring 2018. After Graves participated in the games, he practiced at Harding's facilities. A member of the track and field team saw Graves practicing and told Josh Syrotchen, track and field assistant coach, that Graves should be recruited for the team. Syrotchen said he immediately checked to see if Graves was eligible because he was in graduate school. Graves had one semester of eligibility left, so Syrotchen offered him a scholarship-the next day. "I was blessed to have Willis on our throwing squad," Syrotchen said. "He made an impact on our team." Syrotchen said the discus throw in track and field translated well to the events in the Highland Games. Graves said the principles of throwing - body awareness and staying relaxed during a throw - transferred to most of the throwing events in the Highland Games. Graves said his favorite part of the games was their communal aspect. Participants of the games supported one another, and Graves said they were a great way to grow closer to his friends by inviting them to join. "I love it, and it's fun to see people giving it a shot, especially when they take a liking to it," Graves said. Alumnus Brian Drew said he heard about the games through Graves and was interested in participating. Drew accompanied Graves to one ofthe games in Denton, Texas, and practiced with Graves several times and hoped to compete with him soon. "It is a fun day with lots of competitive guys who know how to have a good time," Drew said. story by Kylie Jones 184 graduate & postbaccalaureate Physical therapy graduate student Willis Graves tosses a hammer throw over his shoulder while practicing for the Highland Games Jan. 14, 2020, on the intramural fields. Graves threw for Harding track and.field in his last semester of athletic eligibility. I photos by Stanley Morales
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