Scholar Stories: Krystek Looks to Soar to New Heights
1/25/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Every Wednesday during the 2016-17 academic year, MGoBlue.com will highlight a different student-athlete and their academic path. These are our Scholar Stories.
In the middle of his senior year of high school, men's gymnast Alec Krystek wasn't sure if he'd be admitted to the University of Michigan. On top of that, he didn't know if he'd pursue collegiate gymnastics when, and if, he got there.
Three years later, Krystek is a stalwart in the lineup for the traditional powerhouse, and he's an Academic All-Big Ten selection as an aerospace engineer, a program ranked among the best in the country.
He came in an apprehensive freshman, a walk-on who had only earned a spot after e-mailing coaches Kurt Golder and Xiao Yuan towards the end of his senior season.
"When I first walked in here, I felt a little intimidated because I wasn't that great coming in, and I saw all these guys doing all these crazy skills," said Krystek. "I was definitely nervous."
Krystek sat out his freshman year, taking a redshirt season in a decision that has paid off in a variety of ways. For one, Krystek likely wasn't ready to compete consistently for a spot in the lineup. Another reason why the redshirt turned out to be a blessing is that it allowed for the alleviation of some academics-based stress.
Because he will be at Michigan for five years, Krystek has been able to take his time. Besides lightening his course load, there has been another clear advantage, according to Krystek. "The extra year has made it so I can put more time into each class than I otherwise would."
The result has been a success in the gym and in the classroom. Still, it's a difficult combination.
"There are definitely days when it's pretty hectic, said Krystek. "When the semester is going, I'm running around from north campus to central campus to south campus and then in the evening following practice, back to north campus. It ends up being long days."
Coming into Michigan, Krystek knew he wanted to pursue aerospace engineering.
"My first career plan was to be a pilot, but I've always had bad vision, so I decided on something that works with airplanes," said Krystek, who wears contacts during competitions. "I've always loved anything to do with planes, commercial airlines or private jets. As a little kid, one of my favorite parts of a vacation would be just flying there."
The summer after his freshman year, he worked at his father Chris' company called iDEAL Technology, a manufacturing company in Shelby Township that provided him with valuable engineering experience.
Still, though, he maintains that his career interests are less about engineering and more about wanting to work with planes.
Says Krystek, "I don't think I would like any other type of engineering."
Although he hasn't determined a specific career path for now, Krystek expressed a desire to work in a development setting for a company like Boeing. His favorite classes so far have been Aerodynamics and Gas Dynamics, focusing on topics such as the aerodynamics of an airplane and propulsion.
A gymnast since age four, Krystek became interested in basketball in middle school and briefly contemplated giving up gymnastics, but ultimately recognized that his gymnastics passion was stronger and his talent level was higher.
It's clear that Krystek has come a long way since he stepped on campus. He takes it upon himself to be available to the younger members of the team, hoping to make their transition to college a little easier.
"I don't know if any of the freshmen feel [like I did] coming in, but we definitely try to make them part of the family right away."
The word "family" comes up in conversation with nearly every student-athlete. In this area, Krystek is no different. He considers his 23 teammates to be family. They have been the community he has leaned on since the moment he arrived in Ann Arbor.
His "family's" goal is to win a Big Ten or NCAA Championship. Individually, Krystek strives to become an NCAA All-American.
So far at Michigan, Krystek has met or exceeded expectations in all of his pursuits. It's for that reason that none of his lofty goals -- in the gym or in the aerospace realm -- seem too big.
After a whirlwind three years, look for Krystek to soar to new heights.
Players Mentioned
