July 7, 2009

OXFORD, Ohio -

This is the sixth in a series of 13 features about Miami University's brightest student-athletes. Their exceptional academic performance during the recently completed spring semester earned them a spot on the roster of the RedHawks' exclusive Straight A Team. In addition to their rigorous schedules on the athletic fields, each of these individuals earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average this past semester.

If life were a long-distance race, senior runner Paul Krebs would be right at the front of the pack.

Entering his final year as an undergraduate and member of Miami's track and field and cross country teams, Krebs has continually thrived as a student-athlete. His cumulative 3.96 GPA is just one indication of his success. He is also a two-time Academic All-MAC selection, with the most recent being this past season, and was also one of just 13 student-athletes to achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA this past spring. Putting all of that in perspective, Krebs remained humble and gave a little credit to a strong supporting cast surrounding him.

"The biggest contributor to my success in the classroom has been the support of those around me. I am blessed to have great coaches and teammates that encourage me in my studies. I also have had some outstanding professors like Dr. Sherman, Dr. Sarquis, and Dr. Vanni."

Krebs also credits his involvement in Miami's athletic programs for much of his success.

"Being a student athlete has kept me focused and disciplined in my studies," says Krebs. "I have people around me like Coach Mandrell who are interested in how I am doing as an athlete, as a student, and as a person. Knowing that others care about how I am doing has made college a great experience."

Maintaining that focus and discipline has primed Krebs for a successful future. The zoology major is currently in the process of applying to medical school, where he hopes to become a physician, though he hasn't decided what type of medicine he wants to pursue. Over the past two summers Krebs has worked at Miami Valley Hospital, and has gained practical experience prior to medical school while shadowing and learning from several experienced physicians.

Apart from his successes in academia and career preparations, Krebs has also been a valuable long-distance runner for both the men's cross country and track and field teams. This past season he helped the cross country team win several events, including the University of Tennessee Invitational against several SEC and ACC teams. His 13th place time at the MAC Championships also helped the RedHawks to a second place finish, while earning Krebs second-team All-MAC recognition.

Balancing a vigorous academic workload with regular training and competitions would prove difficult for any student athlete, but Krebs has found a way to successfully manage his time to allow him to succeed both in the classroom and out.

"It has not been too hard to balance running and school," said Krebs. "I know I have to stay ahead in my schoolwork. There are days where I wish I had more time to study, but planning and preparing for tests and projects ahead of time helps a lot. I think being in a sport keeps me focused and disciplined. I know I do not have a lot of time during the week so I have to make the most of every opportunity I have to study."

Krebs has indeed made the most of every opportunity. He even volunteers as a cross country coach at his alma mater, Archbishop Alter High School, and spent his spring break on an Athletes in Action mission trip in New York City putting on a youth sports clinic and sharing the gospel with local students. His faith and his focus have both contributed greatly to his many achievements, and his willingness to donate his time and experience is yet another inspiring quality this student-athlete possesses. 

Through his focus and discipline, senior Paul Krebs has put himself well on his way to leaving an outstanding academic and athletic legacy at Miami University, and is well-prepared for a successful future career in medicine. He still has one more year to show what he can do, but if his first three years are any indication we can expect great things this upcoming season and beyond.

STRAIGHT A TEAM
Name: Paul Krebs
Hometown/HS: Kettering, Ohio/Archbishop Alter
Upcoming Year: Senior
Major: Zoology
Spring Semester GPA: 4.0
Cumulative GPA: 3.96
Notables: Achieved a personal best mark of 25:02 at Notre Dame Invitational; Had top-20 finishes at both the University of Tennessee Invitational and the Great American Legends Race; Finished fourth in 10,000 meters at the All-Ohio Championships.
Krebs's favorite Miami athletic memory: "The All-Ohio Track and Field Meet my sophomore year. Going into the last lap, I was in third place and I managed to kick down the leader at the line to win by 0.15 seconds."