Medford’s Krogh has paralympic dreams
Kevin Krogh poses for a photo at the U.S. Olypmic and Paralympic Training Site in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Krogh has been working to achieve his goal of making the U.S. sitting volleyball roster to compete for his country at the Paralympics in Paris, France in 2024. Submitted photo
The Paralympics are in Paris in 2024. That’s where Kevin Krogh hopes to be. The 2004 Medford High School graduate is working hard to be part of the sitting volleyball team by making frequent trips to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – home of the U.S. Training Center – and Texas for tournaments.
He started playing while in therapy at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Krogh was injured in an auto accident while serving in the Air Force and lost both of his legs. He tried several sports during rehab but pursuing volleyball was an easy choice.
“All my sisters played volleyball,” Krogh told Owatonna Live’s Todd Walkingstick during an appearance on Beyond the Game. “They were all superstars at it. Well, if they can do it, I can do it too, I think. It’s just an opportunity was there, and I was able to do it and it was fun to play.” He gets great support from his family and friends in his current effort.
His coach connected him with a Paralympic veteran which inspired Krogh. “I knew the director very well… He just kept inviting me back to play again and practice with them,” said Krogh.
Now he sits on the volleyball court, as does every other player regardless of physical condition. As one of the few double amputees playing, Krogh has focused on his core and arm strength. “It’s really hard for me because I don’t have any feet or anything to push me around like some of the other players do… When I’m moving around, it’s all arms. Period,” he said.
He’s developed a solid serve to complement his play.
“I’ve really stepped up my game since the last time I played or practiced a few months ago. I just keep getting better because I keep working out throughout the weeks and the months before practice. I’m getting a lot better movement,” he said.
The net is lower, and the court is smaller than able-bodied volleyball, but otherwise the rules remain the same.
“It’s still the same. Three hits over. You can block. You can spike. You can use your appendages to reach it. Just like regular volleyball,” said Krogh.
He’s having fun but knows the intensity will pick up as the selection process for the national team for Paris draws near.
“I know the coaches are always watching. Am I doing my best? Can I push one more time? Can I hit the ball or set the ball one more time? How am I speaking to my teammates? Is it all Paralympic material?”