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by Christina VanOrt
Track is a passion for 12-year-old Alesia Terpstra. Alesia is the gold medal winner of her category, standing long jump, which makes her a champion in the Hershey’s Track and Field Games.
Alesia is the daughter of Joel and Melissa Terpstra of Milaca, and sister to Karna Terpstra. She attends Pease Community Christian School and will be in 7th grade next year. Alesia will be participating in track and field at Milaca High School.
On Saturday, June 27, Alesia participated in the State Hershey’s Track and Field Games in Morris, Minn. She won first place in her age category (11-12 year olds) for the standing long jump event.
Her first jump she scratched. She jumped six feet and knew it was not her best. Many were watching as she made her second attempt and won with a jump of six feet, nine inches.
Alesia also placed third in both of the running events she participated in, the 100 and 200 meter dashes.
To qualify for the state meet, Alesia placed second in the same three events at the regional track meet in Sartell on Thursday, June 18.
This made her eligible for selection to participate in the national competition in Hershey, Pa. later this summer.
“Just because we’ve won the all-expense paid trip, doesn’t mean we’ll get the trip,” said Melissa of the final selection process. At the end of the month, they’ll learn if they’ve been selected to make the trip.
Alesia got started in track with help from her mom. Melissa found a track camp in Milaca and thought Alesia would enjoy it. Alesia’s parents and ancestors were all graduates of Milaca High School and the Community Christian School in Pease.
“We’re glad she enjoys track,” Joel said, “It is a sport were everyone ends up a winner.”
Alesia’s training was all home-grown. At the end of the cement in the cow pasture, her dad made a sand pit for her to jump in. He also built her hurdles to practice with. Alesia stayed in top shape by running the rows of corn daily.
“Sports at her age are taken as an enjoyment, but she put everything she had into it,” said Joel.
The pre-teen participated in track camp at Milaca. Coaches Jeremy Mikla and Gwen Garber told her about the Hershey’s competition at the camp.
“She is a very good young athlete with a lot of potential,” said Garber. “She worked really hard at the camp.”
Alesia has participated in the track camp at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis for the past two years and plans on attending this year.
Her favorite track event is hurdles. Alesia has good academics, and a strong Christian faith. Besides track, Alesia also enjoys reading and playing piano.
Alesia’s future goals are simple. She just wants to get better. She hopes to get selected for the all expense paid Hershey’s trip.
“There will be a lot of chocolate!” said Alesia.
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