The Tail Of VanErp - An Interview

(Photo provided by Eric VanErp)

Personal Bests:

High Jump: 6' 5"

Long Jump:  22' 0"

Triple Jump:  46' 7.5"

110 HH:  15.92

How do you pronounce your last name?  Is it one word or two?

VanErp is two syllables. So it's like Van-Erp but no hyphen.

Where did you grow up and which sports did you play?

I grew up in Battle Lake and played basketball and football in elementary school. I started playing basketball because it was the first thing I could play with my brother. I enjoy all of the sports I compete in. When it comes to which sport prepares me for track best I would say basketball because of the constant running and jumping that it takes.

Who coaches you and how have they influenced your growth as an athlete?

My basketball coach Dan Peterka pushes me every day in practice and games to get my very best. He's a guy that works me hard and is someone I always want to do my very best for.

Are there other people in your life that inspire you to do great things?

My parents are very supportive of me, they come to all my games and meets. Also my sister has been helping me this season with my jumping and hurdling, she jumped in college and it's awesome to have her at home to help me out. I wouldn't have the marks I do without her.

(Photo provided by Eric VanErp)

Where do you play each sport?  Who are the Ottertail Bulldogs?

Ottertail Central (Bulldogs) is a coop of Battle Lake and Henning for football. For track the coop is also called Ottertail Central (Bulldogs) and it includes Battle Lake, Henning, and Underwood. For basketball we are just Battle Lake (Battlers). Football games are played at both Battle Lake and Henning. The track is located in Battle Lake.

I drive to school and practice in a 1994 Cadillac STS. My grandpa bought it in 1994 and it is 4 years older than me.

Do you prefer individual or relay events.  What is your favorite event and why?

I enjoy jumping the most but I also do like competing in a relay with teammates. Triple Jump is my favorite event. If you can improve your technique and form then you can go a lot further.

Do you follow or admire any college or professional athletes?  Why do you enjoy reading about them or watching them play?

I enjoy watching Karl-Anthony Towns play. He is one of my favorite basketball players and I am looking forward to the Timberwolves future with him leading the way.


(Photo provided by Eric VanErp)

Have you chosen a college yet?  Why did you choose it?  Do you plan on playing sports there?

I plan on attending North Dakota State University to major in Sports Management as well as compete on the Track and Field team there.

Have you ever thought of being a decathlete? Which of the ten events might give you the most problems and why?

I have thought about doing the decathlon a little bit. The most difficult events for me would be Shot Put and Pole Vault. I've never done either of them and I think they would be more difficult for me.

What were your awards in high school?

Freshman year I made it to state in the High Jump but failed to clear opening height.

Sophomore year I made it to state in the Triple Jump, Long Jump, and 4x400 relay. I placed 9th in the TJ, 14th in the LJ (didn't make finals), and failed to make finals in the 4x400 placing 10th.  Junior year, I made it to state in the TJ, LJ, and 4x200. I got 2nd in the TJ, 6th in LJ, and failed to make finals in the 4x200, placing 12th.

Football- Junior year made it to the State Semi-Finals. Senior year I finished with the 2nd most receptions in a season in school history. Named District Most Valuable Receiver and was named the teams MVP on Offense & Receiver.

Basketball- 3x Conference Champions, Sophomore year finished 4th at the state tournament as I was named to the Class A State All Tournament Team. I finished my career as the 3rd leading scorer in Battle Lake history with 1,541 points. I was named the Little Eight Conference MVP and the teams Defensive Player of the year. Also name Academic All-State.

Member of NHS, Band, Jazz Band, Interact, FCA, SOS, BPA, and Knowledge Bowl.

What besides sports make Eric VanErp an interesting person?

I have a strong faith. I am going to be working at Inspiration Point Bible Camp this summer.

(Photo provided by Eric VanErp)


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