Tommie Track & Field/Cross Country announce initial signing class

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- St. Thomas men's and women's track & field and cross country announced its incoming class for 2024, which includes 18 women's and six men's student-athletes from two countries and six states.

"As a coaching staff we could not be more excited about our recruiting class," Tommie Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Head Coach Ashley Lucas said. "This class will bring in a lot of experience of competing at an extremely high level and will make a positive impact from the start both athletically and what we continue to build from a culture standpoint. Spanning from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Dakota and Iowa we are bringing in state champs, all-state performers as well as individuals that are hungry to continue to improve. They have all bought into our vision of what type of team we are building, and they are committed to making a positive impact from the gun."

The incoming men's class is comprised of six student-athletes from Minnesota (2), Wisconsin (2), Arizona (1), and Canada (1) with three distance/cross country runners, two hurdlers and one mid-distance runner.

The women's class consists of 18 student-athletes from Minnesota (10), Wisconsin (5), Illinois (1), Iowa (1) and North Dakota (1) with seven distance/cross country runners.

2024 Men's Cross Country/Track & Field Incoming Class

Name	Event(s)	Hometown	High School
Ben Batalden	Distance (XC)	Minneapolis, Minn.	Southwest
Braeden Brouwer	Hurdles	Grimsby, Ontario	West Niagara
Blake Burnstad	Mid-Distance	Onalaska, Wis.	Onalaska
Jonah Pearson	Distance (XC)	Scottsdale, Ariz.	North Phoenix Prep
Ben Stricker	Distance (XC)	Fort Atkinson, Wis.	Fort Atkinson
Maki Whelan	Hurdles	Rosemount, Minn.	Rosemount

Ben Batalden (Distance, Minneapolis, Minn., Southwest HS)
High School
Batalden is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at Southwest High School under head coach Jaime Yaeck.

Personal
Batalden is the son of Heda and Matt and has one sibling, Maja. His mother competed in tennis at Southwest Minnesota State from 1996-98 and his father competed in swimming at St. Olaf in 1989. Batalden intends to major in business at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 15:51
800m Run – 1:58.79
1600m Run – 4:20.64
3200m Run – 9:38.11

What They're Saying About Ben:
"Ben ran extremely well during his junior year of track and field. All things were pointed for him to build on that momentum during his senior year of cross country but unfortunately Ben got sick and that derailed his season and put him out for many weeks. I expect him to finish his senior year on the track with more top-level racing. Ben will be a very good collegiate runner and as we build success in the Summit League, I expect Ben to be right in the thick of important races." – St. Thomas Men's Head Coach Pete Wareham

Braeden Brouwer (Hurdles, Grimsby, Ontario, Can., West Niagara Secondary School)
High School
Brouwer is a letter winner in track & field at West Niagara Secondary School under head coach Kara Beuttenmiller. He was voted his team's Track & Field MVP.

Personal
Brouwer is the son of Melissa and Peter Brouwer and intends to major in computer engineering.

Personal Records
100m Dash – 11.10
110m Hurdles – 14.57

What They're Saying About Braeden:
"Braeden made a very positive impression on me when he visited campus this past fall. His pre-collegiate marks point to him having a very successful collegiate career as a hurdler." St. Thomas Men's Head Coach Pete Wareham

"Braeden brings a combination of speed and technique that will set him up well in the hurdle events. His work ethic and commitment to training will be valued in our program." – St. Thomas Assistant Coach Connor O'Neill

Blake Burnstad (Mid-Distance, Onalaska, Wis., Onalaska)
High School
Burnstad is a letter winner in track & field at Onalaska High School under head coach Darin Shepardson. He helped OHS to a 2021 D1 Cross Country State Championship and was named the 2023 Mississippi Valley Conference Track Athlete of the Year. Burnstad earned highest honors academically at OHS.

Personal
Burnstad is the son of Jenna and Derek Burnstad and has one sibling, Khloe. He intends to major in exercise science.

Personal Records
800m Run – 1:54.54
1600m Run – 4:20.2

What They're Saying About Blake:
"Blake is a very talented runner. He is the one of the top 800m runners in Wisconsin and a very high-level cross country runner, one of the best coming out of the state. Blake will bring his talents and range to our program and that is extremely valuable. I like how Blake carries himself with maturity and poise. Those qualities are important to us and help student-athletes maximize their abilities in the classroom and on the track." – St. Thomas Men's Head Coach Pete Wareham

Jonah Pearson (Distance, Scottsdale, Ariz., North Phoenix Prep)
High School
Pearson is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at North Phoenix Preparatory Academy under head coach Brad Curtis. He is a two-time Arizona Cross Country State participant, finishing fourth in 2023 and sixth in 2022. During the 2022-23 season, Pearson finished second in the 3200m run at the Division V Track & Field meet and earned the North Phoenix Prep Most Improved Award. During the 2020-21 season, Pearson helped 4x800m relay take first at the Division IV Track & Field meet and earned the School Spirit Award and Virtus Award.

Personal
Pearson is the son of Jocelyn and Neil and has two siblings, Hadley and Owen. He plans to major in mechanical engineering at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 16:04.80
1600m Run – 4:26.80
3200m Run – 9:25.99

What They're Saying About Jonah:
"Jonah is one of the top senior distance runners in the state of Arizona. We are excited about his accomplishments over the past year in track and cross country. In addition to his high level talent, Jonah is very passionate about the sport and is extremely committed. He is both a terrific runner and strong student. Jonah will be a difference maker in our program." – St. Thomas Men's Head Coach Pete Wareham

Ben Stricker (Distance, Fort Atkinson, Wis., Fort Atkinson HS)
High School
Stricker is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at Fort Atkinson High School under head coach Spencer Agnew. He is a three-time Wisconsin Cross Country State qualifier and a four-time Team MVP. Stricker earned gold honors over the past four years and is ranked among the top 10 academically in his class.

Personal
Stricker is the son of Kari and Michael and intends to major in exercise science at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 15:35
1600m Run – 4:24
3200m Run – 9:24

What They're Saying About Ben:
"Ben is one of the top returning 3200m runners in the state of Wisconsin and will be a great addition to our distance group. His cross country season was limited due to some injuries, but he still performed quite well through his state meet. He has the kind of attitude we want in our program and when combining that with his talent, we are excited to have him with us. He is humble and a well-thought-out person. When all is said and done, it will be obvious that Ben will have a strong impact on our program." – St. Thomas Men's Head Coach Pete Wareham

Maki Whelan (Hurdles, Rosemount, Minn., Rosemount HS)
High School
Whelan is a letter winner in track & field at Rosemount High School under head coach Jay Hateli. He was the Minnesota Track & Field State Runner-Up in the 300m hurdles and earned all-district honors in the hurdles. Whelan was also a letter winner in football at RHS, earning all-district honors as a linebacker. He also earned the Pat Tillman Award and was named the team's Player of the Year.

Personal
Whelan is the son of Julie and John, and has two siblings, Ava and Vivian. His mother competed in golf at Wisconsin in 1994. Whelan is undecided on a major.

Personal Records
100m Dash – 12.17
110m Hurdles – 14.90
300m Hurdles – 38.57
400m Hurdles – 56.58
Long Jump – 20-8.25
Triple Jump – 41-1.25

What They're Saying About Maki:
"We have been noticing Maki's talents as a track & field athlete for a long time. We are extremely excited about his ability to be a strong competitor in our program." St. Thomas Men's Head Coach Pete Wareham

"Maki will be joining a great group of decathletes. The future of the multis group is secure with Maki joining the squad." – St. Thomas Assistant Coach Connor O'Neill

2024 Women's Cross Country/Track & Field Incoming Class

Name	Event(s)	Hometown	High School
Danika Apple	Sprints	Green Bay, Wis.	Notre Dame de la Baie
Emily Baker	Distance (XC)	Zimmerman, Minn.	Zimmerman
Jackie Cole	Sprints/Jumps	Owatonna, Minn.	Medford
Aubrey Decker	Sprints/Hurdles	Denver, Iowa	Denver
Olivia Goebel	Distance (XC)	Albany, Minn.	Albany
Cassie Gospodarek	Jumps	Rosemount, Minn.	Rosemount
Amber Haukoos	Distance (XC)	Lakeville, Minn.	Lakeville South
Maddie Heidvogel	Distance (XC)	Oconomowoc, Wis.	Oconomowoc
Brooke Hohenecker	Sprints	Plymouth, Minn.	Providence Academy
Lily Jarrett	Sprints/Jumps	Rockford, Ill.	Guilford
Rachel Kleinhans	Hurdles	Hartland, Wis.	Arrowhead
Janiya Moore	Sprints	Richfield, Minn.	Richfield
Ella Olson	Sprints/Jumps	Fargo, N.D.	Oak Grove Lutheran
Olivia Pauly	Distance (XC)	St. Cloud, Minn.	Saint John's Prep
Libby Schmidt	Distance (XC)	Reedsville, Wis.	Roncalli
Mariah Willard	Hurdles	Bloomington, Minn.	Trinity
Brooke Wisdom	Jumps/Pole Vault	Rosemount, Minn.	Academy of Holy Angels
Sophie Yetter	Distance (XC)	Winneconne, Wis.	Winneconne

Danika Apple (Sprints, Green Bay, Wis., Notre Dame de la Baie Academy)
High School
Apple is a letter winner in track & field at Notre Dame de le Baie Academy under coaches John Gard and Cassidy McGowan. She is the school record holder in the 100m dash, 200m dash and as a member of the 4x100m relay. Apple was part of the Wisconsin State Championship 4x100m relay team in 2023 and was a state runner-up in the relay in 2022. She is a three-time first team all-conference honoree. Apple earned high honors all semesters at Notre Dame and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal
Apple is the daughter of Anita and Tom and has one sibling, Charley. She plans to major in business at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
60m Dash – 7.84
100m Dash – 12.21
200m Dash – 25.41

Emily Baker (Distance, Zimmerman, Minn., Zimmerman HS)
High School
Baker is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at Zimmerman High School under Lynda Bouley. She was a seven-time captain, a six-time state qualifier (three in cross country and three in Nordic skiing) and a nine-time all-conference selection (four in cross country, three in Nordic skiing and two in track & field). Baker is part of the school's record holding 4x800m relay and is a six-time all-state academic honoree. She is a three-time THUNDER Award, two-time Effort Award, and two-time Dedication Award winner.

Personal
Baker is the daughter of Steve and Jan Baker, and she intends to major in exercise science.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 18:34
1600m Run – 5:29
3200m Run – 11:52

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of the welcoming staff, students, and athletes! The campus is such a great place with great people and will help me grow not only as a student-athlete but also as a person."

Jackie Cole (Sprints/Jumps, Owatonna, Minn., Medford HS)
High School
Cole is a letter winner in track & field at Medford High School under coaches Kevin Werk and Jerome Johnson. She is a three-time Minnesota State Meet qualifier, 2022 long jump section champion, and five-time conference champion. Cole is a two-time school record holder and named MHS Woman of the Year twice. She qualified for the 2022 Hamline Elite meet and was named the Team MVP three times. Cole is a member of the High Honor Roll, National Honor Society, and SADDvacate.

Personal
Cole is the daughter of Linda and Paul and has two siblings, Paulie and Jonathan. Her father played football at SUNY Brockport from 1986-87. She plans to major in biology (pre-dental) at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
100m Dash – 12.58
200m Dash – 25.16
Long Jump – 17-10
Triple Jump – 35-6

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas not only for the beautiful campus but because my connections with the staff and athletes were so strong as soon as I stepped foot onto the campus, it felt like home to me. Being raised Catholic, I felt the values St. Thomas instills in the students is irreplaceable and that's what I look forward to becoming. Coming from a small town, another reason I chose St. Thomas is because the size of the student population and the location made me feel content. I can't wait to grow academically, athletically, and spiritually with a wholehearted surrounding! Roll Toms!"

Aubrey Decker (Sprints/Hurdles, Denver, Iowa, Denver HS)
High School
Decker is a letter winner in track & field at Denver High School under head coach Abby Fliehler. She is the school record holder in the 400m hurdles and part of the school's record holding teams in the sprint medley relay and the 4x400m relay. Decker finished fifth in the 400m hurdles and helped the 4x400m relay to a runner-up finish, earning Iowa All-State honors, and the SMR to a fourth place finish at the 2023 Iowa State Meet. She qualified for the 2023 Drake Relays in the 400m hurdles and helped the 4x800m relay teams to a fifth place finish at the 2022 Iowa State Meet and an 11th place finish at the 2021 Iowa State Meet. Decker was also a member of the cross country team that was a four-year qualifier for the Iowa State Cross Country Meet, 2021 state runners-up, and 2022 district champions. Also a letter winner in basketball, Decker and DHS advanced to the semi-finals at the 2022 Iowa State Basketball Tournament.

Decker has been a member of the High Honor Roll over the past four years in addition to earning the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union Distinguished Academic Achievement Award the past four years. She was awarded the North Iowa Cedar League All-Academic Award in track & field, cross country and basketball, and earned the Iowa High School Music Association Distinguished Academic Achievement Award over the past four years.

Personal
Decker is the daughter of Brooke and Josh and has two siblings, Adeline and Cora. She plans to major in actuarial science with a minor in Spanish at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
400m Dash – 59.62
400m Hurdles – 1:05.06

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of the great opportunities. During my visits I immediately felt welcomed by the team and coaching staff. I feel that St. Thomas is the right fit for me to continue to grow academically, athletically, and in my faith."

Olivia Goebel (Distance, Albany, Minn., Albany HS)
High School
Goebel is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at Albany High School under head coach Kathy Conrad. She was the 3200m Minnesota State Champion in 2022, 3200m state runner-up in 2023, cross country state runner-up in 2021 and a four-time state track & field participant. Goebel is a four-time state track & field participant and two-time state cross country participant. She was named academic all-state and is the president of the National Honor Society at AHS.

Personal
Olivia is the daughter of Dean Goebel and intends to major in biology. Her favorite food is steak.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 17:47
1600m Run – 4:59
3200m Run – 10:34

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of the strong biology program and academics they have that allow me to work one on one with professors. I also chose St. Thomas because of the campus. The size, proximity to home, and the top notch facilities were just a few things that stuck out. Finally, the family environment I felt when visiting with the cross country team made me feel welcomed and supported."

Cassie Gospodarek (Jumps, Rosemount, Minn., Rosemount HS)
High School
Gospodarek is a letter winner in track & field at Rosemunt High School under coaches Sara Hatleli and Doug Anderson. She is a two-time Minnesota State Meet qualifier, a state runner-up in the long jump in 2022, a two-time all-conference honoree and helped RHS to a team championship at the 2022 Minnesota State Meet. Gospodarek earned the Scholar Athlete Award and named Outstanding Academic Athlete.

Personal
Gospodarek is the daughter of Ellen and Daryl and has two siblings, Andrea and James Hughes. She is undecided on a major at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
Long Jump – 18-1.75
Triple Jump – 36-3.25
High Jump – 5-4

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I loved the campus and the environment of the school. I wanted to be close to home and this was the perfect place. The coaches are amazing and supportive. I also got that feeling of this is the place I need to be right when I stepped on campus."

Amber Haukoos (Distance, Lakeville, Minn., Lakeville South HS)
High School
Haukoos is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at Lakeville South High School under head coach Jessica Just. She a three-time state qualifier and a four-time South Suburban Conference honoree.

Personal
Haukoos is the daughter of Bill and Rachel Haukoos, and has one sibling (Torin). She intends to major in nursing or exercise science.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 19:38
1600m Run – 5:38
3200m Run – 11:55

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of the amazing opportunities within my intended major and the people on the Cross Country and Track and Field team that make me feel at home."

Maddie Heidvogel (Distance, Oconomowoc, Wis., Oconomowoc HS)
High School
Heidvogel is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at Oconomowoc High School under head coach Cassie Schuh. She is a five-time all-conference selection, an academic all-state selection, and the captain of both the cross country and track & field team.

Personal
Heidvogel is the daughter of Rick and Beth Heidvogel and is one of eight children in her family while also having a total of six nieces and nephews. She intends to major in exercise science.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 19:51
800m Run – 2:23
1600m Run – 5:32

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of all the opportunities within my major and for my running goals. On my visit with the team, I felt so welcomed and I immediately knew St. Thomas was the right place for me."

Brooke Hohenecker (Sprints, Plymouth, Minn., Providence Academy)
High School
Hohenecker is a letter winner and team captain in track & field at Providence Academy under head coach Amy Hohenecker. She is a seven-time Minnesota All-State honoree (three-time 100m dash, two-time 200m dash, two-time 400m dash) and a five-time All-Independent Metro Athletic Conference recipient. Hohenecker was the 2022 Minnesota State Class AA Champion in the 200m dash and holds the school record in the 100m and 200m dash. She was named 2023 Honorable Mention Minnesota Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year by Minnesota Milesplit. Hohenecker helped Providence to a runner-up finish at the Minnesota State Class AA meet in 2022 while she qualified for the 2022 and 2023 Hamline Elite Meet in the 100m and 200m dash. She was part of the 4x400m relay championship team at the 2023 Howard Wood Dakota Relays Girls' Special Event where she also took seventh in both the 100m and 200m dash. She was awarded Providence Academy's Most Valuable Sprinter Award three times.

Hohenecker is also a letter winner and team captain in basketball where she helped the team to Minnesota State Class AA Championships in 2022 and 2023. She is a three-time all-conference selection and earned the Providence Academy Defensive Player Award in 2022.

Personal
Hohenecker is the daughter of Amy and Bill and has two siblings, Tyson and Hailey. Her mother is her coach at Providence Academy and competed in track & field at Northern State University from 1989-1993. Hohenecker intends to major in business management with a minor in business analytics at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
100m Dash – 12.09
200m Dash – 25.05
400m Dash – 57.99

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of the family feel that the team has, and the community of the college as a whole. I feel that the entire team and staff have trust in me as a student-athlete, and I feel that St. Thomas is the right place for me."

Lily Jarrett (Sprints/Jumps, Rockford, Ill., Guilford HS)
High School
Jarrett is a letter winner in track & field at Guilford High School under Gregory Ford. She is a three-time All-NIC 10 honoree, qualifying in the triple jump as a freshman, in the 4x400m relay as a sophomore and in the 400m dash as a junior. Jarrett was part of the 4x100m team as a junior that finished with all-state honors. She was named the team MVP as a junior and is part of the record holding 4x400m relay both indoor and outdoor and the 4x100m outdoor team. Jarrett is a three-time honor roll member and is also part of the National Honor Society.

Personal
Jarrett is the daughter of Christie and Ehren. Her father played basketball at Concordia Chicago from 1994-96. Jarrett intends to major in business at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
400m Dash – 58.57

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St Thomas because I felt a strong connection with the team and coaching staff. As soon as I was on campus I knew it would be the perfect place for me to grow academically and athletically, I truly resonate with the St. Thomas values, and I can't wait to be a Tommie."

Rachel Kleinhans (Hurdles, Hartland, Wis., Arrowhead HS)
High School
Kleinhans is a letter winner in track & field at Arrowhead Union High School under head coach Chris Herriot. She is a Wisconsin All-State honoree and won the Classic 8 Conference title in the 100m hurdles. Kleinhans holds the AHS school record in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.74.

Personal
Kleinhans is the daughter of Ann and George. She is undecided on a major at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
60m Hurdles – 9.15
100m Hurdles – 14.74
300m Hurdles – 45.77

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of the welcoming environment and the connections I made with the coaches and team. I feel like it's a place where I will be supported and given opportunities to grow in athletics as well as academics."

Janiya Moore (Sprints, Richfield, Minn., Richfield HS)
High School
Moore is a letter winner in track & field at Richfield High School. She was a state qualifier in 2023 and was Richfield's "Runner of the Year" in 2022 and 2023. Moore has received Spotlight on Scholarship recognition all three years at RHS.

Personal
Moore intends to major in biology at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
100m Dash – 12.49
200m Dash – 25.55

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I loved the team environment, and it felt like the place where I could be supported both athletically and academically."

Ella Olson (Sprints/Jumps, Fargo, N.D., Oak Grove Lutheran)
High School
Olson is a letter winner in track & field at Oak Grove Lutheran under head coach Tim Mclagan. She is the school record holder in the 100m and 200m dash and is a "B" honor roll student.

Personal
Olson is the daughter of Rachel and Travis and has three siblings, Will, Lily and Opal. She plans to major in business at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
100m Dash – 12.35
200m Dash – 25.30
Long Jump – 18-3

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because it felt like home when I got there. Both the campus and people immediately clicked for me. I feel like I'm going to grow not only as an athlete but also as a person, and I think St. Thomas is the perfect place for me to be. I can't wait to be a Tommie!"

Olivia Pauly (Distance, St. Cloud, Minn., Saint John's Prep)
High School
Pauly is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at Saint John's Prep under coaches Stephen Woods and Lance Nydeen. She won the Minnesota State Class A Cross Country Championship in 2023, becoming the first girls state champion in the school's history. Pauly ended her senior season as the Central Minnesota Conference Champion, leading her team to a conference title, and the MSHSL Section 5A Champion. She is the recipient of the "Triple A (Academics, Arts and Athletics) Award from the MSHSL.

Personal
Pauly is the daughter of Jill and Jon Pauly and has one sibling, Sofia. She intends to major in business with a minor in German at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 18:10
1600m Run – 5:04
3200m Run – 11:16

Libby Schmidt (Distance, Reedsville, Wis., Roncalli HS)
High School
Schmidt is a letter winner in cross country and track & field at Roncalli High School under head coach Jacinda Feitag. She was the 2023 Eastern Wisconsin Conference Champion and took a 20th-place finish at the state cross country meet. Schmidt was named the cross country team MVP all four years of high school.

Personal
Schmidt is the daughter of Christel Lueck and Andy. She plans to major in mechanical engineering at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 19:17
1600m Run – 5:54

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of its excellent academic and athletic opportunities, as well as the welcoming team environment. I feel like everyone there cares about my family and me, as well as my hopes and dreams for the future. I'm super excited to call myself a Tommie!"

Mariah Willard (Hurdles, Bloomington, Minn., Trinity HS)
High School
Willard is a letter winner in track & field at Trinity High School. She placed first in the 300m hurdles at the Minnesota State High School League State Track & Field Championships and took second in the 100m hurdles as a junior.

Personal
Willard is the daughter of Sarah and Steve and has five siblings, Savannah, Aidan, Elizabeth, Rebekah and Cole. Her mother ran cross country at St. Thomas, her uncle, Joe Warren, played soccer, football and basketball at St. Thomas, and her cousin, Dimitri Nair, plays soccer at St. Olaf. Willard is undecided on a major at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
100m Hurdles – 15.05
300m Hurdles – 45.11

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because of the strong family culture. I really identified with the team and coaching staff. I know that at St. Thomas, I can grow the skills to grow not only as an athlete but as an individual. Excited to be a Tommie!"

Brooke Wisdom (Jumps/Pole Vault, Rosemount, Minn., Academy of Holy Angels)
High School
Wisdom is a letter winner in track & field at Academy of Holy Angels under head coach Jim Gunderson. She earned All-Tri Metro Conference, Minnesota All-State and academic all-state honors. Wisdom is also a letter winner in trap shooting and volleyball where she earned all-conference honors in volleyball. She is a member of the National Honors Society and earned the Scholar of Distinction award.

Personal
Wisdom is the daughter of Sarah and Jeff. She intends to major in pre-med with minors in biomedical engineering and Spanish at St. Thomas.

Personal Records
Long Jump – 16-4.25
Pole Vault – 10-0

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because I felt welcomed the moment I stepped on campus. I felt strong connections with the staff, coaches and team. I also chose St. Thomas for the amazing academic and athletic programs it offers. I can't wait to be a Tommie!"

Sophie Yetter (Distance, Winneconne, Wis., Winneconne HS)
High School
Yetter is a letter winner and team captain in cross country and track & field at Winneconne High School under head coach Kraig Western. She is a four-time Wisconsin State Track and Field Qualifier with six podium finishes, as well as a two-time Wisconsin All-State First Team and two-time all-state second team selection in cross country. Yetter was the team's top finisher for the 2020 Division II State Championship team, holds the school record in the 5K and is a four-time team MVP. In track & field, Yetter is a three-time state qualifier with six podium finishes and holds the school record in the 800m, 1600m and 3200m run, as well as the 4x400m relay. She was also named the team MVP once.

Personal
Yetter is the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer and intends to major in nursing.

Personal Records
5K (XC) – 18:23
800m Run – 2:16
1600m Run – 5:03
3200m Run – 11:21

Why Did You Choose St. Thomas?
"I chose St. Thomas because Coach Ashley and Coach Dan cared about more than just my statistics. They took into account my personality, academics, goals, and values throughout the recruiting process, and I knew that St. Thomas's values aligned very much with mine. Not to mention, the campus is absolutely gorgeous, and I really loved being in the Twin Cities."

Follow Along
For more information on St. Thomas Women's Cross Country, follow along on Twitter and Instagram at @TommieWXCTF. For more information on St. Thomas Men's Cross Country, follow along on Instagram at @TommieMTFXC

-- St. Thomas Athletics --

University of St. Thomas Athletics

Tommie Track & Field/Cross Country announce initial signing class

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