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Kisting heading Down Under

I-S junior raising funds for trip

By Jane Myhra


An Iola-Scandinavia High School student has been invited to an international track competition in Australia.

Junior Erika Kisting will be part of a Midwest team competing against teams from around the world at the 29th annual Down Under Sports event.

Kisting will depart for Queensland, Australia, July 2 to compete for individual and team honors and will join about 10 other athletes from Wisconsin.

“This event will allow me the opportunity to hone my running skills and break the 5-minute marker for my mile,” Kisting said. “It will also allow me to meet new people, create lasting memories and help me further my running career after high school by making me more visible for college coaches.”

Competing in big track events is nothing new for Kisting, who won the girls’ Division 3 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs at last year’s WIAA State Track & Field Meet in La Crosse.

She also placed second in the state in the 1,600 as a freshman and ran on a pair of state-qualifying 3,200-meter relay teams.

“I have had many great opportunities to run at state,” Kisting said.

This is the first time an I-S athlete has attended the Down Under event.

“I am honored to be an ambassador of not only my community and state, but also our country,” Kisting said.

Each participant is required to raise about $5,000 to cover the cost of their nine-day tournament package. Each contributor will be entered into a drawing to win a trip to Australia and Hawaii and a subsequent drawing for a five-day cruise for two.

Contributions can be made online at www.DownUnderSports.com/payment or by phone at 435-753-4732. Checks made payable to “Down Under Sports” can be mailed to: Erika Kisting, Wisconsin Track and Field, Down Under Sports, 1755 North 400 East #201, North Logan, UT 84341. The athlete’s name should not be written on the check.

Founded in February 1989, Down Under Sports uses the common language of sports to bridge the continents, according to DUS president George O’Scanlon.

The Down Under Sports program includes competition in wrestling, football, cross country, golf, track, basketball and volleyball. The travel package includes Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.

Visit www.DownUnderSports.com for more information.

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