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Rachel Eickhoff's Personal Best Marks:
200 Meter Dash - 28.07
400 Meter Dash - 1:00.38
800 Meter Run - 2:26.24
1600 Meter Run - 5:32.28
3200 Meter Run - 12:04.00
4k Cross Country - 14:54
5k Cross Country - 19:46.17
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What schools did you consider for your post-high school plans?
The two colleges that I really considered were Drake University and South Dakota State University.
What ultimately led you to commit to South Dakota State University?
There were four major reasons I chose South Dakota State University. The first reason is that the academics at SDSU are very strong and I connected with two professors that I met while visiting. The second reason is that I really like the campus. They have phenomenal facilities such as the new Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex and many of their dorms brand new. The third reason is that I really like Coach DeHaven because his knowledge and experience as a professional runner and successful coach. He also has a really great sense of humor. The fourth reason is that whenever I have had the opportunity to talk to past athletes, parents of current athletes or alums, all of them had good things to say about the school and Coach DeHaven.
Has the coach at SDSU given you any indications of what event or events you might be specializing in as a collegiate athlete?
No, Coach DeHaven has not indicated what events I might specialize in but I am open to doing whatever events that he wants me to run.
Have you identified a major or area of study?
I will be majoring in dietetics and double minoring in psychology and management.
What is your favorite HS memory as it relates to cross country and track?
My favorite memory from high school was when my cross country team and I won state in 2011. The icing on the cake was that we also got to share the experience with our assistant coach, Larry Haws, who was battling cancer.
What goals do you have for your remaining high school sports seasons - nordic ski and track?
It is my goal in nordic skiing that both my team and I make it to state together. In track, I hope that our 4x800 is able to qualify for state and that I can qualify in the open 800.
What are your goals for your collegiate career?
I want to pursue a degree that I am passionate about and, athletically, I hope to improve my times and gain racing experience. I 'm really just looking forward to getting back into racing totally healthy again.
What advice would you pass on to an athlete trying to make their college decision?
My advice for athletes trying to choose their college is that they should base their decision on the school's academic success rather than just athletics. If the college you are looking at has the academic programs you are interested in and it feels right, having a good sports team is just a bonus. It is important to choose your college outside the realm of sports and where they are ranked in the NCAA because you don't always know what will happen with sports.