Sara Stadem | Editor
This spring senior Averi Schmeichel will be heading into her sixth varsity track season for West Central knowing that she is heading to University of South Dakota (USD) in the fall of 2021. In December, Schmeichel signed her letter of intent to continue her track career at college as a Coyote.
When making her choice on which college to attend, Schmeichel indicated it was a difficult one. “I had a really hard time making a decision on which school to choose. There were several schools that had made offers and I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to talk to several coaches,” she stated.
Schmeichel had narrowed it down to four choices and in early December, Schmeichel had it down to Utah State or USD. “This year has been a difficult year to try to make a college decision due to COVID. In a normal year, recruits can go on campus and meet with coaches to get to know them and really get a feeling about the program,” she explained. Schmeichel continued, “This is currently not an option. The dead period was originally extended to the end of September, then it was pushed to January and now it is April. When it was extended to April, I knew I would need to make a decision without the full experience. This realization was hard and disappointing as it has been something I have looked forward to.”
Despite the challenges due to COVID, Schmeichel is very excited about her decision. “I am excited about my decision and look forward to being a member of the USD Track and Field Team!” she stated.
Schmeichel indicated she had attended USD Track Camps in the past and has gotten to meet USD’s track coach, Lucky Huber, several times prior to COVID. In addition to that, Schmeichel’s mom also attended USD and ran track for Coach Huber as well. “My future coach Lucky Huber was also her (mom) coach 25 years ago. I like the school and feel comfortable with Coach Lucky,” stated Schmeichel.
Schmeichel, daughter to Brent and Megan, has two younger brothers; Carter who is a sophomore and Liam who is in eighth grade. She indicated that she enjoys the fact that USD is close enough that her family will be able to travel to see her compete.
While at USD, Schmeichel plans to get a degree in education and potentially a minor or dual major in photography in hopes of transitioning into videography. Schmeichel would also like to coach, whether it’s track and field or gymnastics.
Schmeichel is now half way through her senior year with great success on and off the track. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is currently on the West Central gymnastics team. Schmeichel was also involved in soccer, softball and cheerleading for football. Schmeichel has been a 30+ State Meet medal winner between track and field, gymnastics, soccer and softball.
During her track career at West Central, which started as a 7th grader, Schmeichel has participated in several events that have included the 100m and 300m hurdles, long jump, high jump, sprints and sprint relays. “Basically, she can do almost anything!” stated her West Central track coach Janel Merkwan.
“What’s great about Averi is she came into our program young along with several of her other classmates and they all grew and matured into great leaders and successes on and off the track together!” stated coach Merkwan. She continued, “They have been able to have success together on the track in relays and as a team (winning meets and placing as a team at the State Track Meet) for six years, which is great to see in high school sports.”
Currently, Schmeichel holds the school record in the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles and long jump. Both Schmeichel and coach Merkwan agree they hope Schmeichel can add to that list of records this coming spring.
“Averi is one of the most driven, focused and talented athletes I have coached. She is very well rounded, in that she has found success in any event I have put her in,” stated coach Merkwan. “Additionally, we know she would have success in other events too if we had her run them, but unfortunately, she’s limited to just four events a meet.”
Coach Merkwan explained that Schmeichel has many personal and individual goals, expecting a lot out of herself but more than anything, she puts her West Central team first.
“Despite her constant success, Averi remains very humble and kindhearted and is well liked by her teammates, coaches and teachers. Averi excels just has much in the classroom as she does on the track and she works her tail off both on the track and off,” coach Merkwan stated. She continued, “Her work ethic and determined attitude are just some of the keys to her success. She is going to be an asset to USD’s athletic program, but will also be a great student there. I know she is going to do great things when she leaves West Central.”
Schmeichel explained what she has enjoyed most about her track career are the coaches who constantly push her to improve and still make track enjoyable.
“I really want to thank my coaches and teachers at West Central. Without all their help and guidance, all of the scholarship offers and future opportunities would not be possible. Our head girls’ coach, Janelle Merkwan, has been a huge part of my track career over the last six years,” stated Schmeichel. She continued, “All of our West Central track coaches have been amazing! We truly have some very remarkable people at West Central who care a lot about their students – this is not unnoticed. I also need to give a shout out to Seth Boomsma at Boom Athletic for all his guidance this past year.”