Fairfield High School senior Brady Willard has chosen Grace College to continue his track and academic careers. Seated with Brady are parents Gina and Brian Willard. In the back row are Grace College men’s track coach Jeff Raymond and Fairfield High School track coach Bob Miller. (Photo provided)

WINONA LAKE – Grace College landed another local running talent as Fairfield High School senior Brady Willard has chosen the Lancers to continue his track career.

Willard, a three-sport star with the Falcons, is an All-Northeast Corner Conference athlete. The versatile Willard excelled in the 400 and 800-meter runs.

As a junior, he won the 800 sectional championship and he was second in the 400 at conference.

“Grace College was the right fit for me spiritually and academically,” Willard said. “I enjoy the people and the small college feel. I’m excited to continue developing as an athlete and become the best possible runner that I can be.”

Apart from track, Willard also started on the football and basketball teams at Fairfield. He was the football team’s captain in 2016, winning two All-Conference accolades on the gridiron.

“Brady is a talented young man who has excelled in three sports in high school and has a ton of potential in track,” said Grace coach Jeff Raymond. “He surprised a lot of people by winning the sectional title in the 800 meters last spring and should be one of the better 800 runners in the area this season. He is a great fit for Grace and for our program.”

WIllard, who is a member of the National Honor Society, is the son of Brian and Gina Willard. The Millersburg, Ind., native hopes to study sports management at Grace.