Shady commits to SDSU

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Esko senior Marisa Shady has committed to run cross country and both indoor and outdoor track and field at South Dakota State University next fall. The decorated runner made the announcement last Thursday.

Shady, a four-sport athlete, was the state Class A individual cross country champion in 2010, while this past November, the 5-foot-7 speedster led the Eskomos to their school’s first team title since 1980.

That same week, Shady and her mother, Joanna, drove to the Brookings, S.D., campus to visit SDSU, also making visits to other interested schools. Shady later flew out alone for her official visit the first weekend in December. Shortly after returning home, she chose the Division I institution.

“I love the coaching staff, the team, the campus – everything,” Shady said Tuesday night. “I actually tried to think of one thing I didn’t like, and I couldn’t. It just felt like this was the right fit for me.”

Shady, who also plays soccer, basketball and runs track, said she was pursued by many Division I, DII and DIII schools in the Upper Midwest for the past couple of years. Basketball was also an option at some schools.

“I had a lot of letters, phone calls, emails – it was a bit overwhelming,” Shady said. “I love basketball, but it’s not like I’ll never pick one up again. I have no regrets. I feel good about my decision.”

Shady plans to major in nursing, but won’t be forgotten as a runner.

“I can never say anyone is the best ever, but she’s one right up there,” said Jerry Zimny, the Esko cross country coach since 1978 until he retired last November. “There’s no doubt, she’ll do well wherever it is.”

Tags: sports, esko, track