The loss of her junior track season to COVID-19 didn’t prevent Ankeny’s Shelby Romig from attracting the attention of college coaches.
She had already done enough to prove that she’s capable of competing at the collegiate level.
Romig has verbally committed to join the women’s track and field program at St. Cloud State, an NCAA Division II school that competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
“I looked at four or five schools and just recently narrowed it down to a couple, but ultimately I chose St. Cloud because they have a great nursing program and a strong track team,” said Romig. “During several visits to campus I really clicked with the girls on the team. I also liked the team’s philosophy and family atmosphere that coach Sam (Kettenhofen) creates.”
As a sophomore in 2019, Romig helped Ankeny to a tie for 12th place in the Class 4A state meet. It was the Hawkettes’ highest finish since 2013.
Romig placed sixth in the long jump (16 feet 11.25 inches) and 13th in the 100 hurdles (15.80 seconds). She also anchored the Hawkettes to an eighth-place finish in the shuttle hurdle relay (1:06.73).
Romig was the CIML Central Conference champion in the long jump (16-10). As a freshman, she anchored Ankeny to a 16th-place finish in the shuttle hurdle relay at the state meet.
“I plan to continue competing in the long jump, hurdles, and am open to trying other events,” Romig said.
Romig is also a standout on the softball field. The outfielder has twice earned all-conference honorable mention during her high school career.
“I love playing softball and definitely considered playing in college, but track has really become my passion the past few years and I want to see what else I can accomplish,” she said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the St. Cloud track team and am looking forward to the future!”