Thursday, January 12th, 2023
Hunter to run at Wittenberg
By Gary R. Rasberry
Photo by Gary R. Rasberry/The Daily Standard
Parkway senior Morgan Hunter, seated center, will attend Wittenberg University and compete in track and field for the Tigers. In the front row with Morgan are brother Asher Severt, mother Amanda Severt, father Francis Hunter and brother Joshua Hunter. In the back row are brother Jack Severt, sister Melanie Severt, stepfather Steven Severt, sister Nicole Hunter and stepmother Deana Hunter.
ROCKFORD - When looking to pursue her career aspirations in criminal justice, Morgan Hunter found a home at Wittenberg University.
And the Parkway senior will get a chance to continue her track and field career as well at the NCAA Division III school in Springfield.
The pick of Wittenberg was perfect, said Hunter after formalizing her decision on Wednesday at Parkway High School.
"The college made me feel at home," said Hunter. "And the track team is so amazing.
"It was so important (to finalize her college choice). There were so many colleges - I had seven in my junior year trying to recruit me. It was a hard decision, but at the end of the day, I chose Wittenberg because I felt at home."
Under head coach Paris Hilliard, the Tigers has produced several All-American athletes. Wittenberg's women finished sixth at last season's North Coast Athletic Conference indoor championships and seventh at the outdoor championships.
"They're so supportive," said Hunter of the coaching staff. "They've helped me through my block works (working to get out of the blocks faster) and speed courses. It's just amazing."
A sprint and hurdle specialist, Hunter is coming off a solid Midwest Athletic Conference season in 2022. Hunter was MAC runner-up in the 100-meter dash and earned podium spots in the 100 hurdles (sixth) and 300 hurdles (seventh). Hunter finished her season on the Division III regional podium in Troy after finishing seventh in the 100 dash.
With the decision of college out of the way, Hunter is focused on getting ready for spring and beyond.
"I'm going to be practicing more during the evenings with 100s and flying 50s. Just working out," said Hunter. "I'm also doing indoor track - I actually have a meet on Saturday at (the University of) Findlay to prepare for outdoor season and Wittenberg."
