One of the best mid-distance athletes in Tennessee is headed to Wake Forest next season.
Kenton Bachmann, the second fastest 800 runner in the state, announced his decision last week. And over the weekend, he talked to us about why he chose to be a Demon Deacon.
Bachmann chose Wake over Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgetown. He said his relationship with the coaches made the difference in the end.
"The academics, the campus, the coaches and team members all led me to choose Wake Forest," Bachmann said. "I really like the coaching philosophies of Head Coach Hayes and Assistant Coach Ferris. They seem to complement each other really well. I am also excited to be competing in the ACC. The runners on the team are very cohesive and seem to get along well with each other.
"Coach Ferris was one of the first coaches to show interest in me in early July. He was very consistent in his communication."
Bachmann is excited to get this decision out of the way. With cross country over and his college signing out of the way, the Hardin Valley Academy standout can focus on track season.
"I am very excited because I know Wake Forest is a place I can get a great education and improve athletically," he said. "I can now focus completely on my senior year indoor and outdoor track seasons and hopefully run some PRs."
The Knoxville native won't be too far from home in Winston Salem, North Carolina. And that played a big role as well in Bachmann's decision.
"Being only a four-hour drive from Knoxville allows me to get home occasionally and also, due to Wake being in the ACC, my family will be able come to many of my meets," he added.
Bachmann is the third Tennessee athlete to choose Wake Forest in the early signing period. Carter Coughlin and Meredith Helton will also join the Demon Deacon's squad next season.
"I think it's very cool that Carter and I will be teammates," Bachmann said. "I have raced against him since middle school and think it's going to be great to have him as a teammate. I am also looking forward to having Meredith as a teammate."