Effingham HS: Improved from 6-2 in the high jump as a freshman to 6-8 as a senior ... was first in the high jump at the all-area meet ... place fourth at the state meet in the high jump ... was named all-conference from his sophomore-senior seasons ... also played football, helping his team to the playoffs as a junior ... named Outstanding Senior ... was a member of the Honor Roll as a freshman, sophomore and junior.

Personal: Plans to major in Aviation Flight ... born March 15, 1985 ... son of Don and Karen Grupe.