By Catherine Slonksnis
GoldenGrizzlies.com Contributor

Corey Petros' collegiate record is filled with athletic achievements and awards, a testament to the abilities that made him one of the best post players in the Horizon League. While his time at Oakland University will soon draw to a close, the last four years have prepared Petros for the challenge ahead -- leading the Golden Grizzlies toward an NCAA Tournament in his final season.

In high school, Petros' performance on the court set him apart from his peers, earning him recognition and recruitment from several schools throughout and beyond Michigan. Named the Macomb County Most Valuable Player, and selected as an all-state, all-district and all-area as a senior, Petros also led his team to a couple of district championships.

Undeterred by several offers, Petros chose Oakland instead. The program, its leadership, -- which has been led by coach Greg Kampe for over 30 years -- and the fact that the school was close to home drew Petros to the university. But even with Petros' talent and close proximity to home for familiarity, there was still a transition that he wasn't completely prepared for.

"It was tough because the first few months it was like, the game's completely different, it's a lot faster here in college than high school," Petros said. "The guys are a lot bigger, stronger, faster, better, more athletic -- so it's just a huge jump. It's like going from elementary school to high school grades-wise, it's something you really have to adapt to."

Between classes and time at the gym, Petros spent his freshman year as a redshirt, watching as the Golden Grizzlies went to the NCAA Tournament in 2011. While Petros was unable to play in the games, that season was one of the highlights Petros looks back on because it taught him that what he did off the court was just as -- if not more -- important as on the court.

The following season Petros started for Oakland, where his 2011-12 record quickly filled with highlights and has not slowed down since. Petros established his signature ability, rebounding in and out of his area. Meanwhile, Petros chose to push himself off the court, not just in the game. Rather than take the typical route of a Bachelor's Degree, Petros opted to pursue an MBA in his five years at Oakland. Petros attributes much of the perseverance learned to his coaches, and to Kampe, who pushed him to be the best he could be from day one. As he navigates advanced classes in his senior year, Petros is grateful that Kampe and the coaching staff have continued to push his abilities.

"They'll still always get on me for stuff and tell me little things I do wrong that they try to correct," Petros said. "They're always trying to make you better to become, literally the best player you can be, and I feel that they do that very well."

During the offseason, Petros worked on expanding his game, making plays with his left hand instead of limiting himself to right-handed plays only. It gives Petros another edge on the court, something he said he's excited to bring into the game and strengthen as the 2014-15 season takes off.

Following a disappointing 2013-14 season -- eased some by close games and record-setting shots made by former teammate, Travis Bader -- Petros has been handed the task of leading the Golden Grizzlies to the NCAA Tournament, something Oakland hasn't done since 2011. The 2014-15 season is also Petros' last opportunity to play in the tournament for the first time.

Going into this season, Petros is a nominee for several awards on the court and within the community. He continues to set an example in the classroom, during the game, and in his daily life that hard work, dedication, and a willingness to lead play a large role in future success. Attending Oakland has allowed Petros to grow beyond anything he thought possible.

"Just look back and how far I came individually and how everyone else came has just been a blessing, a great experience," Petros said. "I wouldn't want to go anywhere else, I wouldn't change anything that I've done. It's just been really fun, exciting. It's been a lot of ups and downs but for the most part it's been one of the best times of my life here."

With Oakland now playing in the Horizon League -- a league where nothing is guaranteed because of every team's physicality on and off the court -- Petros' qualities and record become more crucial if he is expected to help the Golden Grizzlies make a deep run this season.

The awards only tell part of the story, but they're still there for a reason. For all his accomplishments, Petros has succeeded largely because of his ability to learn and depend on his team. Now in his final season, Petros looks forward to leading Oakland into a new season, and hopefully an NCAA Tournament before he graduates.

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