Two-time 5A state champion Emilee Iverson made it official on Tuesday when she signed a letter of intent to high jump at Pittsburg State University in Kansas during a ceremony at the Grove High School Library.
Iverson has dominated the high jump in Class 5A the past two seasons with a career-best 5-7 and had offers and interest from several other schools, but in the end decided to stick close to home.
“I like the small-town environment and I liked what [assistant] coach [Kyle] Rutledge said. I get my own individual jump time, so I like that.”
Rutledge is in his second season at Pitt State and is in charge of pole vault, high jump and multi-event athletes. Last season three of his athletes were qualifiers for the National Meet and eight were named All-MIAA Conference.
Iverson’s decision came down to the Gorillas or Oklahoma State.
“OSU was a big one. I was really thinking about that. I just really liked the feel of Pitt State.”
Emilee’s mom Keni is an assistant with the Grove track teams and has been coaching Emilee in the high jump since sixth grade.
“It’s awesome. I’m real proud of her. She made the decision to stay a little closer to home and where she was comfortable. I just want her to be happy. We really liked the coaching staff and the campus feel.”
Iverson will be looking to cap her career at Grove with a third consecutive 5A state championship in the high jump when track season opens in March.
