Multi-sport Arlington Eagle Barrett Nielsen made his pick for which one to continue on with during college.
The senior runner, hooper, hurdler and pitcher celebrated his signing to the Dakota Wesleyan track and field team Tuesday at AHS. His new coach, Chris Aschemann, joined his current ones for the affair.
“After the visit, I just told my mom, 'I want to go here,'” Nielsen said. “(Wesleyan) was just such a nice campus. It was beautiful.”
People were welcoming at the Mitchell, S.D., school, from the coaches to the admissions counselor. The Arlington senior said the atmosphere overall was just right. It had a “small school” feel.
So, after high school tenures in cross-country, basketball, track and American Legion baseball, Nielsen will continue in his love of hurdles. He said the 110- and 300-meter races and the people that excel in them are unique.
“If you're good at it, you do it,” Nielsen said. “I've been blessed with height, which is good for hurdles. So, it's just so fun to do.”
This spring, the Eagle wants to break 16 and 44 seconds in his two hurdle events.
“I want to try and make state this year as a senior,” he said. “I think that would be awesome.”
Next, Nielsen wants to continue his progress.
“Just getting better,” the senior said of his college goals. “That opportunity to specialize in one sport is something I'm not really accustomed to yet.”
In less than a year, Nielsen will focus solely on Dakota Wesleyan track and his school work.
