Pending Ratification

In this episode of Pending Ratification, Auburn University hurdle star Ja’Kobe Tharp sits down with Keenan Gray. A 2025 Bowerman Award finalist, Tharp shares his journey from a basketball-loving kid in Tennessee to a world-class hurdler.    Tharp breaks down how he got started hurdling, the importance of hard work and belief in oneself, the importance of key friendships and family support, pivotal...

In this episode of Pending Ratification, Auburn University hurdle star Ja’Kobe Tharp sits down with Keenan Gray. A 2025 Bowerman Award finalist, Tharp shares his journey from a basketball-loving kid in Tennessee to a world-class hurdler.    Tharp breaks down how he got started hurdling, the importance of hard work and belief in oneself, the importance of key friendships and family support, pivotal...

In episode 1 of season 2 of Pending Ratification , host Keenan Gray sits down with NCAA champion Pamela Kosgei  of the University of New Mexico.    The reigning NCAA outdoor champion in the 5000m and 10,000m, as well as a 2025 Bowerman finalist, shares the pivotal moments that ignited her running journey, including her first race memory and the advice from her sister (Olympic silver medalist and f...

In episode 1 of season 2 of Pending Ratification , host Keenan Gray sits down with NCAA champion Pamela Kosgei  of the University of New Mexico.    The reigning NCAA outdoor champion in the 5000m and 10,000m, as well as a 2025 Bowerman finalist, shares the pivotal moments that ignited her running journey, including her first race memory and the advice from her sister (Olympic silver medalist and f...

In the final episode of season 1 of Pending Ratification, Epworth Western Dubuque (IA) senior Quentin Nauman talks with host Keenan Gray on his journey from a good runner to one of the best distance runners in high school history. Nauman shares what it means to succeed and the support he has in Iowa, his early struggles with running, working a job at Hy-Vee, his passion for music and show choir, a...

In this episode of Pending Ratification, host Keenan Gray chats with Mercer Island (WA) junior Sophia Rodriguez. Accomplished not only in cross country and track, but also trail running, Rodriguez shares her experiences in that side of the sport and the challenges of transitioning back to high school races. In addition, Rodriguez touches on her passion for podcasting, moving to a different state a...

In the fourth episode of Pending Ratification , Minnetonka (MN) senior Sean Fries talks with host Keenan Gray about his transition from swimming to running and how competitive swimming has helped his grow as an athlete and stoke his competition fire. Fries also shares about his passion for pickleball, the support of his family in both sport and academics, and why he’s looking forward to the Olympi...

In the third episode of Pending Ratification , host Keenan Gray talks with Webb School of Knoxville (TN) seniors Calysta and Jazzlyn Garmer. In the conversation, the duo discuss their unique bond they share as twins, how social media can be a powerful tool for athletes, unique travel experiences, their transition from soccer to running, and the challenges they face as young athletes. Calysta owns...

In this second episode of Pending Ratification , Belen Jesuit Prep (FL) junior Marcelo Mantecon talks with host Keenan Gray, discussing his hobbies outside of the sport, his family’s athletic background, the balance between academics and sports, and the rigorous training regimen he follows. Mantecon reflects on his inspirations, including superheroes, and the importance of resilience in overcoming...

In this inaugural episode of Pending Ratification, host Keenan Gray interviews Addison (Addy) Ritzenhein , a senior at Niwot High School. The conversation explores Addy's journey through high school, what she likes to do with her friends, her love for water activities and travel, and her experiences in music. They discuss her defining moment as an athlete thus far, her future plans at Northern Ari...