News File Photo Alpena High senior linebacker Colt Gray (45) celebrates after making a tackle against Marquette during the first half of a September 2022 football game at Park Family Field at Wildcat Stadium. Gray recently announced his plans to attend the Marion Military Insitute and eventually transfer to the United States Coast Guard Academy.

ALPENA — After lots of consideration, Alpena High three-sport athlete Colt Gray has officially made his post-graduate plans.

Gray plans to attend Marion Military Institute in Alabama, where he will enroll in its one-year Service Academy Preparatory program. Gray will be on scholarship and after his first year at the institution, he plans to transfer to the United States Coast Guard Academy.

“I really decided to go to the Coast Guard Academy because it really fit me and suited my goals well. I wanted to challenge myself in college and I really think I’m going to get that experience at the academy,” Gray said. “My goal for college was to always use college football and other athletics to take me places I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to reach.”

One of the key reasons for Gray’s decision was the fact that he would be able to continue his football career. Although he won’t be able to play for his first year at Marion Military Institute, once Gray transfers, he’ll have a chance to play on Saturdays.

The Coast Guard Academy’s teams compete in NCAA Division III and are known as the Bears.

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to play on Saturdays and fulfilling my college dream. I’m also just stoked to be able to grow as an athlete over the next five years,” Gray said.

While at the academy, Gray’s tuition will be covered by the Coast Guard in return for the service he is required to complete. Gray has plans to continue studying management and obtaining a bachelor’s degree while at the Coast Guard Academy.

“After I complete my bachelor’s degree and graduate, I plan on serving search and rescue and drug interdiction work for the Coast Guard,” Gray said. “You really can’t beat having the opportunity to get a great education, be able to play football, and doing meaningful work and service for the community.”

Even though college and more spectacular opportunities will open up for Gray during the next few years, he’ll never forget his accomplishments and best memories from Alpena High School.

As a Wildcat, Gray has competed in football, basketball, and track and field.

In his senior year, Gray has earned first-team all-Big North Conference honors in football; All-Alpena News second-team honors in basketball after averaging 9.2 points and 9.7 rebounds; and is one of Alpena’s leaders in the throwing events this spring.

“My favorite moment in high school would have to be beating Marquette in football this past season,” Gray said. “I really would sum up my high school career here in Alpena as a journey of growth. Throughout all of the highs and lows, I’ve constantly strived to learn and improve at everything I do.”

Over the next five years, Gray plans to continue his journey of education, athletics, and service. Given this incredible opportunity, Gray is more than thankful to all of his supporters and everyone that has pushed him to be the person is he now.

With all the support from everyone around him, Gray has the chance to fulfill his lifelong dream.

“I’d like to thank my parents for showing me how to work hard and dream big. Thank you to Coach (Eric) Mitchell, (John) Pintar, (Trevor) Roznowski, and (Rick) Voltz along with all the other amazing coaches I’ve had. Lastly, I’d like to thank all of my friends and teammates that push me to be the absolute best version of me. I’m extremely blessed to be surrounded by all the amazing people along the way and I’d like to say thank you to everyone that has supported me,” Gray said.