Senior Grant Scheiffele makes an impact through swimming and Boy Scouts
[dropcap size=big]E[/dropcap]agle Scout, captain of the swim team, two-year staff member of Crimson Newsmagazine, AP student, and caring older brother are central parts of senior Grant Scheiffele’s friendly and welcoming identity. His impact is almost too great to describe, yet swim coach Jennifer Brown managed a strong portrayal: “His charismatic smile and contagious sense of humor make him one of the most well-liked members of the team.”
Scheiffele joined water polo and swim at the start of high school and has buoyed himself and teammates throughout all four years of his high school career. He has been a leader and coach to his fellow teammates by working to make practice both fun and competitive, and making sure every swimmer has a goal set that they knew they would be able to make, but is also a little bit out of reach.
“When you come to practice, it’s not just another day of putting your head down and swimming, it was talking with everybody and seeing how everybody’s day was going and making sure it was something [they] wanted to go to,” Scheiffele said.
His impact on the team has not gone unnoticed, and both his coach and teammates have recognized his endless efforts to nurture and encourage the team.
“He showed himself as a true leader not only by setting an example of the highest integrity and commitment level but also through his ability to motivate everyone around him,” Brown said, who has coached him for four years. “He has truly made our 2017 season one of the best in my memory and has set an incredible legacy for future Bearcats to follow.”
Throughout his swim career, he was won the Lion’s Club Sportsmanship Award twice, and this year, he won the “Hard Corps” swimmer award for the fourth year, becoming the first in team history to earn this for four straight years.
These accomplishments did not come easily. Scheiffele faced a series of surgeries starting with an appendectomy in second grade and ending with a knee surgery in seventh grade, which left him unable to participate in his regular sports: baseball and basketball. He recounted this time as a “mind-numbing experience.” Because he was no longer able to run, he took up swimming, which was less strenuous. Rehab activity quickly developed into a passion, and he joined a club swim team and both PRHS water polo and swim, becoming a pillar of every team.
His team-oriented mentality applies to his experience in Boy Scouts, as well. Throughout his 12 years of scouting, he has made lifelong friendships and values connecting with his team and troop.
“Grant’s impact on the group has been one of consistent level-headed leadership and friendship. He has always been one to look out for the thoughts and concerns of others, and never afraid to point out to his peers when they are acting out or treating others with less than Scout-like behavior,” said Steve von Dohlen, Scoutmaster of Scheiffele’s troop 60.
On his most memorable trip with the group, he hiked for 12 days in Philmont, New Mexico with a group of friends, both new and old. On his first hike, he was still not entirely acquainted with the team, but this didn’t remain so for long.
“We did some group building stuff before we left, and by the time we left, we all knew each other really well,” Scheiffele remembered.
Of all his friends, troop members, and teammates, one person knows him best: his sister, sophomore Elise Scheiffele.
“He is never mean, cruel, or anything the stereotypical older brother should be. He is truly one of the most stable people in my life, and I am extremely grateful for his existence,” Elise said.
Scheiffele maintains his motivation to work to the best of his ability in swimming, Scouting, and AP classes by keeping in mind a proverb he was taught growing up: “If you wanna go fast, go alone, if you wanna go far, go together.” Having something on the line for someone else encourages him to work harder, and his team mentality ensures that these caring instincts are constantly met for the sake of his team, his scouting group, and his family.
“I’ve always felt that as long as I support other people the best I can and make sure that everybody sticks together, then that’s probably the best thing,” Scheiffele said.
