KELLY'S ARTEME TO LACE UP RUNNING SHOES FOR OTAHKS

Amy Arteme is planning to continue the Kelly High pipeline to Southeast Missouri State University's track and cross country programs.

Arteme, a Kelly High senior, recently signed a letter of intent to attend Southeast. Two other Kelly graduates from the past few years, Aaron Wade and Travis Schiwitz, are already running for Southeast.

"I'm really excited," said Arteme, who also plays basketball for Kelly in addition to excelling in track and cross country. "I really liked the school when I went to visit. I'm looking forward to going there."

Arteme has had an impressive running career at Kelly so far. Just last month, she placed fifth in the Class 1A-2A state cross country meet and helped the Lady Hawks capture the team championship. She was also in the top 30 at state during her sophomore and junior seasons.

In track, Arteme has qualified for state in the 1,600-meters and 3,200-meters in each of her first three seasons and will look to become a four-year state qualifier this spring. She placed seventh in the state in the 3,200 last year.

"Amy just really, really worked hard this summer to improve herself and it showed in the fall," said Kelly track and cross country coach Bill Davis. "Her times were really much improved this year over the season. It seemed like every meet she would drop her times.

"She's a tremendous worker and a good student. She's going to be a tough one to lose, but I know (Southeast) coach (Joey) Haines is going to be getting a very good person. He seemed to be really excited to sign Amy. I'm really happy for her."

Arteme, who plans to major in dietetics, said Kelly winning the state cross country title this fall was probably her biggest sports thrill so far.

"That was so exciting," she said. "And it was surprising. It was our first time to go up there and we were hoping to place in the top five. Then we won it all."

Davis said having another of Kelly's athletes sign with a Division I school will help his track and cross country programs.

"I'm pleased for Amy and it's great for our program," he said. "The kids can see if they really work hard, something like this can happen to them."