Kratz's journey as sprinter framed by faith, service

By Brian Towey for DyeStat

Dock Mennonite Academy PA senior Austin Kratz is leaving his mark on sprinting. In doing so, he’s opened up a greater understanding of the Mennonite community to which he belongs.

“We’re very strong believers who take the Bible word for word,” said Kratz, who won the 200 meters Friday at the Marine Corps Holiday Classic in an indoor nation-leading 21.38.

“The more conservative Mennonites are more like the Amish -- they don’t believe in driving cars. My community doesn’t do that. We’re just strong believers in God, doing his work and to live life for others.”

Representing a school of 360 students in Lansdale, Pa., and larger Mennonite communities in eastern Pennsylvania and Ohio, Kratz has drawn attention to a way of life that isn’t often understood.

“It’s nice to be able to help people understand our community,” said Kratz, who also boasts the U.S. No. 1 mark in the indoor 300 meters (33.93).

“They’re always asking, ‘Where is Dock Mennonite Academy?’ It’s nice to get it out there and give us a name.”

While training under coach Tim Eger at Dock Mennonite Academy and with the West Chester-based Maveric Track Club under coach Rohan Grant, Kratz has shown that he’s eager to learn while not taking himself too seriously.

“One of the things about Austin is that he’s very coachable,” Grant said. “He’s a very humble kid.

“He comes from such a faith-based background. Those qualities help him with the highs and lows of the journey.”

While his 21.17 PR and fourth-place finish at the AAU Junior Olympics last summer were high points, Kratz concedes that other times have been equally as challenging.

“Last year, I had a really hard time,” Kratz said. “I false-started at the district meet. One of the first things my parents said to me was, ‘God has a plan for you. He’s giving you highs and lows to become a better person.’”

An even-keeled nature has helped Kratz progress. And he’s challenged himself with high-level competitions, such as the Millrose Games 55-meter dash last winter, where he finished seventh, learning with each step.

“The biggest takeaway from Millrose was not worrying about winning,” Kratz said. “But learning from each race, learning from my competitors and making myself a better runner.”

The easiest way for Kratz to remain grounded comes through his faith. He’ll break from a hectic indoor schedule next week to participate in a senior-class service trip to Mexico, where he and his classmates will volunteer building houses at an orphanage 90 minutes outside of Mexico City.

“I’ll be pouring concrete, plastering walls and playing with the kids, too, to make sure they’re OK,” Kratz said.

It’s this commitment to service that is at the core of the Mennonite community’s beliefs, and one that makes Kratz’s journey as a high-level athlete unique, according to his father Rod.

“Being people of faith, I think Austin’s going through this for a reason,” Rod Kratz said. “He has a lot of opportunity to touch a lot of lives with how fast he’s running. It’s exciting.”