T-Bird runner placed third at state meet

By Holly Neumann

Iola-Scandinavia High School’s Erika Kisting recently received several state awards for her accomplishments this past season in cross country.

The Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association selected Kisting as the District 2 Runner of the Year and named her to the all-state second team.

She placed third in the girls’ Division 3 race at the WIAA State Cross Country Meet with a time of 19:12.

“I have been running since I was little,” said Kisting, a state meet competitor as a freshman and sophomore. “I enjoy running because it is a privilege to have the ability to do it. It is also a great way to clear your mind and feel like there isn’t a care in the world.”

She was also recognized for excelling in the classroom as well.

“Erika excelled in the classroom for the second consecutive year, earning Academic All-State honors by competing in the WIAA State Cross Country Meet while maintaining a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or above,” I-S cross country coach Tom Anderson.

Kisting said it’s important to succeed in school for many reasons.

“I am not able to race if you do not have good grades and you can’t go anywhere in life if you don’t understand how things work,” she said. “It is amazing all the things you are able to know in the world and it would be sad if I couldn’t understand as much as I can.”

Kisting, who also competes in basketball and track, said she is honored to receive the awards.

“I work hard every day, so I am glad it paid off,” she said.