Suzanne Sickafoose signed with Grace College to continue her running career Friday afternoon. Pictured in front, from left to right, Sherri Sickafoose, Suzanne Sickafoose and Jeff Sickafoose. In the back, Whitko AD Josh Mohr, Whitko track coach Gary Sims and Grace coach Jeff Raymond. (Photo by Nick Goralczyk)

SOUTH WHITLEY — As the spring sports season gets into full swing, another local athlete has made a big decision. Whitko senior Suzanne Sickafoose proudly signed her letter of intent Friday afternoon to continue her running career at Grace College.

“I loved that it’s a Christian college and that it’s close to home,” Sickafoose shared. “I hear so many amazing things about Grace and I know a lot of people that have gone there and have said great great things about it. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

The proximity was a big factor for Sickafoose, who is close with her family and will be working throughout her college years.

“It’s a big bonus,” Sickafoose said of Grace’s proximity to home. “I want to work to help pay for it and I’m really close with my family so it was a big part of my decision.”

Sickafoose will study elementary education while on campus in Winona Lake, a field that comes naturally to her.

“In first grade I had an amazing teacher, Mrs. Sprunger and ever since then I’ve had this love for teaching,” explained Sickafoose. “I’ve done student teaching and I help with a Sunday school class. It’s something I really enjoy.”

Sickafoose, who started attending Whitko in the fall of 2015, ran for the cross country and track teams during her junior campaign and will run for coach Gary Sim’s squad again this spring.

During her only year in cross country, Sickafoose was named All-TRC. Last spring she qualified for the regional in two events during her track season. Sickafoose placed third in the 200 meter dash and earned a sectional championship in the 400 meter dash with a time of 1:00.57.

Whitko begins its season Wednesday in the Whitley County Meet.