Daviess County High School senior Brayden Kaelin will continue his running career at Campbellsville University in the fall after signing his letter of intent Friday night.
Kaelin chose to join the Tigers program after much consideration and is pleased with his decision.
“The coaches and the team at CU were the main deciding factor,” Kaelin said. “The coaches and the team there really believe in me and that alone really made me feel like CU was a great fit for me.”
Kaelin, who will be majoring in exercise science, said being offered a full scholarship was another piece of his decision, adding he looks forward to the family aspect of running continuing at the collegiate level.
Former coach Mark Fortney said that Brayden had one of the biggest transformations of any athlete he has ever coached.
“He was always willing to do whatever it took to get to the next level. I am proud of him and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes at Campbellsville University. He is a special young man,” Fortney said.
Kaelin’s mother Tara Allen is also pleased with his decision to sign with the Tigers after a recruiting process that she said has been going on for over a year.
“It is nice to know that he has chosen a school and a running program he is happy with. Campbellsville is a great school and it’s not too far from home. Coach Corbin has been excellent to work with and seems to truly care about Brayden’s future as a collegiate athlete,” Allen said.
After meeting with several other schools and receiving offers at various college levels, Kaelin knew that Campbellsville University was the right decision.
Coach Josh Bratcher is proud of Kaelin’s progress and the example he has set for his teammates.
“Brayden has become such a strong young man. He is a prime example of what can happen if you choose to work hard for what you want in running,” Bratcher said. “I was not coaching Brayden’s first year, but I have heard that he started off running in the 20s. Now he is close to breaking 16 for the 5k. He is an outstanding young man that has grown so much. I can’t wait to see where he goes in the future.”
The senior athlete said that his coaches have been a huge part of his success.
“Coach Fortney, Coach Bratcher, and Coach Kurz are who I’d like to thank for always believing in me and pushing me to be the best athlete I can be,” Kaelin said. “Thanks to all my teammates for the fun memories we made along the way I will never forget them. Shoutout to my family for always supporting me at every race and getting me to every race.”
