Sports Editor
CLARENCE — One of the top sprinters in the state of Iowa made her post-high school intentions known recently. North Cedar senior Grace Proesch signed a national letter of intent to run track and field at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The North Cedar senior is the first Division 1 athlete to run track and field since Ryan Kedley.
“I am really excited. I always wanted to be a D1 track athlete. My dream came true,” said Proesch.
Arguably a top track and field performer in the state this year, Proesch had a humble start to the sport.
“I didn’t like track and field in middle school. My mom forced me to go out as a freshman and after that, I was hooked on it,” she said.
Proesch is helping the Knights to a track season that will likely end in Des Moines, quite possibly near the top of the class 2A final team standings. Proesch is on two relays that are currently ranked 1st in 2A, the sprint medley and the 4X400. Individually, she is ranked second in the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter dash. Her versatility is evident as she is on the Knights third-ranked 4X200 and 4th ranked 4X100 relay teams as well.
North Cedar track and field coach Kirk Ketelsen said that Proesch is a once in school history type of track athlete.
CLARENCE — One of the top sprinters in the state of Iowa made her post-high school intentions known recently. North Cedar senior Grace Proesch signed a national letter of intent to run track and field at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The North Cedar senior is the first Division 1 athlete to run track and field since Ryan Kedley.
“I am really excited. I always wanted to be a D1 track athlete. My dream came true,” said Proesch.
Arguably a top track and field performer in the state this year, Proesch had a humble start to the sport.
“I didn’t like track and field in middle school. My mom forced me to go out as a freshman and after that, I was hooked on it,” she said.
Proesch is helping the Knights to a track season that will likely end in Des Moines, quite possibly near the top of the class 2A final team standings. Proesch is on two relays that are currently ranked 1st in 2A, the sprint medley and the 4X400. Individually, she is ranked second in the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter dash. Her versatility is evident as she is on the Knights third-ranked 4X200 and 4th ranked 4X100 relay teams as well.
North Cedar track and field coach Kirk Ketelsen said that Proesch is a once in school history type of track athlete.
“Grace is a one in school history track athlete. Her name is all over our record board. Grace earns everything she gets. She loves to compete and loves to win,” he said.
Proesch and the Knight seniors have been in 39 events at the blue oval in Des Moines and have earned 14 state medals. They will take events to this week’s Drake Relays and have much more head to the state track and field meet next month. Proesch placed third in the 200-meter dash in 26.01 and second in the 400-meter dash in 58.39 at the 2017 state track and field meet.
Ketelsen noted Proesch’s strengths as a college recruit.
“She has the speed, the technique and the will to win at every level. I am very proud of Grace. Her parents deserve all the credit for raising such a fine person. Grace is always helping teammates, leading by example, and offering encouragement to the younger athletes. I am so lucky to be her Coach,” he said.
Air Force is in the Mountain West Conference. The Falcons head coach is Ralph Linderman who is in his 29th season. The Falcons run at meets in California, Texas, Washington, Arizona at at the Drake Relays this year. Members of the Mountain West Conference are Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Colorado State, and Wyoming.
Proesch said that she is excited to be a Division 1 athlete and has taken steps to prepare for that.
“I have matured in my training. I have been working and getting serious about sleep and nutrition,” said Proesch.
Proesch said that she is likely going to be a 200 and 400-meter runner college. She could possibly run 800’s too. She plans on majoring in civil engineering. After graduating from college, she will serve five years in the Air Force Academy and will be a second lieutenant when that term is done.
Proesch is the daughter of Joby and Kyle Proesch. She has one brother, Kyle and one sister, Kelly.
Proesch and the Knight seniors have been in 39 events at the blue oval in Des Moines and have earned 14 state medals. They will take events to this week’s Drake Relays and have much more head to the state track and field meet next month. Proesch placed third in the 200-meter dash in 26.01 and second in the 400-meter dash in 58.39 at the 2017 state track and field meet.
Ketelsen noted Proesch’s strengths as a college recruit.
“She has the speed, the technique and the will to win at every level. I am very proud of Grace. Her parents deserve all the credit for raising such a fine person. Grace is always helping teammates, leading by example, and offering encouragement to the younger athletes. I am so lucky to be her Coach,” he said.
Air Force is in the Mountain West Conference. The Falcons head coach is Ralph Linderman who is in his 29th season. The Falcons run at meets in California, Texas, Washington, Arizona at at the Drake Relays this year. Members of the Mountain West Conference are Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Colorado State, and Wyoming.
Proesch said that she is excited to be a Division 1 athlete and has taken steps to prepare for that.
“I have matured in my training. I have been working and getting serious about sleep and nutrition,” said Proesch.
Proesch said that she is likely going to be a 200 and 400-meter runner college. She could possibly run 800’s too. She plans on majoring in civil engineering. After graduating from college, she will serve five years in the Air Force Academy and will be a second lieutenant when that term is done.
Proesch is the daughter of Joby and Kyle Proesch. She has one brother, Kyle and one sister, Kelly.
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