Boyd County Graduate Garrett Crum Breaks Records and Eyes the Future
Ellen Keaton
The Ashland Beacon
The first thing anyone sees as Garrett Crum walks through a door is the warm, friendly smile when someone says hello. He was a star athlete at the school while still maintaining a high level of academic achievement. Garrett is the son of Tina and Jason Crum. He is a 2024 graduate of Boyd County High School and will attend Ohio University in Ironton this fall.
He has been active in several clubs throughout his time in school including Future Business Leaders of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Garrett spent three years in the Lions’ football program where he broke many school records. He was extremely modest when talking about his records. Jason Crum, Garrett’s father, shared a list of those accomplishments which include, most pass receptions in a season – 43, most pass receptions in a season including playoffs-49, seven touchdown receptions, and 678 yards receiving which was just eight yards short of the all-time receiving yards record at the school. Garrett also led all Class 4A District 6 receiving yards, was selected as the 1st team All-Area wide receiver, Class 4A District 6 All-District 1st team, and the Eastern Kentucky Conference 1st Team.
Reflecting on the teachers he has had Garrett said the teachers who influenced him the most were Evan Ferguson, Advanced PE teacher and a football coach, and Garrett Kitchen who was his welding teacher. Garret shared, “Both of these are very good teachers but also available to talk to outside of school and have helped to guide and encourage me along the way.”
Welding was one of Garrett’s favorite subjects in school. He was able to work an internship in welding at Modern Metals this year. This was a great opportunity for him which also allowed him to discover that welding was not what he wanted for his future.
With his prowess as an athlete and his passion for welding, it appeared obvious that Garrett would be playing football in college or pursuing a future in welding. That is where the real surprise came during this interview with him. His plans for the future do not include either of those! Instead, he will be entering the nursing field to become an RN. However, his goals do not end there. He wants to continue to reach a BSN and then ultimately become a Nurse Practitioner.
Tina Crum, Garrett’s mom explained, “He had several colleges looking at him for their football programs. We went on college visits and he even had a recruiter working with him and more than likely would have been accepted to one of those programs.” She had remarked earlier that Garrett had always seemed wiser and older than his years. His explanation for not pursuing football shows that maturity. Garrett remarked, “It is hard to focus on two things at once and I don’t want to put everything into football and then not end up going anywhere with it and being set back a couple of years when I could already be working.”
As well as his school activities, a very vital part of Garrett’s life is his church life at Heritage Free Will Baptist. He was a part of several Bible competition teams through the years at his church and had the distinction of representing the state of Kentucky at the National Free Will Baptist youth competitions several times. Many of his friends attend the youth program at his church where he is learning to play guitar and will begin playing for their praise team.
Jason Crum, Garrett’s father added, “I’m excited to see the plans God has for his future, and I’m enjoying watching him develop as a young man!”
Congratulations, Garrett Crum, on your accomplishment. As you move forward, remember that the future is within your grasp. Best of luck on your journey ahead!
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