Surrounded by coaches and teammate James Brant signs his letter of intent to run at Central College. Front row (left to right): Holden Schirmer, James Brant, Tommy Tyynismaa and Braxten Rohrs. Back row (left to right): Head Cross Country Coach Robert Tyynismaa, Barrett Jesina, Head Track Coach Danny Mayo and Assistant Cross Country Baron Davis.

Last Wednesday, STC Senior James Brant signed his letter of intent to continue his academic and ruining career at Central College in Pella. Surrounded by friends, teammates, coaches, and family, Brant shared his excitement on his decision.

“I’m pretty excited to be at Central next year, looking forward to spending more time with what I know are great coaches and teammates. Looking forward to also another opportunity to continue to get better at the sport and compete at the next level,” he said.

Brant has had one of the most successful careers of any STC runner. James leaves behind a list of accomplishments including being a three time state cross country qualifier, Being a part of STC’s first ever state cross county bid as a team, multiple state track qualifications, multiple state track medals, a school record in the 4×800, and nearly 10 appearances on STC’s top 10 performance lists in various events. In addition Brant broke the school record in the 1600 meter run as a sophomore at the state track and field meet.

Head Boys Track Coach, Danny Mayo shared some words on Brant’s impact and legacy.

“James has been a pillar for a track and field team since his freshman year. He’s done so much for us in terms of leadership, events ran, and promotion of the sport. He will be missed. Central College is getting a great runner and an even better person,” Mayo said.

In a similar fashion assistant cross country coach Baron Davis shared kind words of Brant.

“James is a fine runner and an even better young man. James has been a cornerstone of this team for 6 years, going back to middle school. We knew we had a special group of kids then and James was right at the heart of everything we did. I look forward to continuing to follow the next chapter of his career.”

James Brant will begin his chapter as a Dutch in the fall. Until then he hopes to successfully qualify for the state track and field meet a fourth and final time, capping off a legendary career for this Trojan distance phenom.