From the volleyball court to the track field, senior Rachel Bethke signed with Cornell University on Thursday, Feb. 16 in the Webster gym at Maclay School. Her volleyball teammates, track friends and family members were there to support her. Bethke has always been an athlete throughout her high school career.
As the signing began, athletic director Harold Hillard opened up with where Bethke was signing and thanked everyone for coming out. He then handed the mic over to head track and field coach Angie Milford. She spoke of what an amazing athlete Bethke was. She pointed out the leadership she had on the team and how she always had a smile on her face constantly. Milfords speech about Bethke gave an insight to the supporters of what Bethke was like on the team.
“I think running has been an important part of me keeping up with my academics and it gives me something to do and keeps me active,” Bethke said. “I am really excited to continue that balance into college.”
Milford pointed out that Bethke’s strongest event was the 400 meter event. She said that she was strong and is still getting stronger to this day and growing in this sport. When Milford was done speaking, Bethke gave a speech to the crowd. Bethke pointed out that she never expected that she was going to graduate highschool as a track athlete. However, she finds a lot of joy in the sport and can’t wait to face any upcoming challenge.
“Just continue her love for running,” Milford said. “ She is gonna get better and that’s a given. So I am excited to see her.”
The last speaker was Bethke’s dad. He congratulated her progress and all the amazing work she has put into the sport. Her dad thanked everyone for coming out and he congratulated her on the accomplishments that she has made in her journey so far. Her dad stated that she had a fire in her heart.
When the speeches and talks were over, Bethke took the pen and signed her letter of consent with Cornell University to become the track and field athlete she wanted to be.
