Boiler Up: Kerr Commits To Purdue

Caleb Kerr never thought the option of running in college would present itself. After a break out junior year the Evansville North distance standout began hearing from schools who coveted his services. Kerr says the process was a great experience and is happy to have had the opportunity to visit many schools. In the end, it was Purdue University that received his signature.

"The final few schools I was considering were Purdue, Dayton, Cornell, Butler, and USI. Although I narrowed the list to Purdue and USI pretty quickly. USI was tough to turn down because I know several runners on the team, they've had a ton of success, and Mike Hilliard is a fantastic coach. Not to mention they offered me a very large academic scholarship. In the end, though, I couldn't pass up Purdue's academics. I'm entering the engineering school which is top ten in the nation. Also, I was very drawn to the opportunity to both take part in and watch D1 Big 10 athletics."

Kerr becomes the third Hoosier to join the Boilermakers' recruiting class for 2012.  He joins distance standouts Tate Schienbein and Johnny Guy of North Harrison who both had success at the state level. Also joining them will be Footlocker Finalist  and Gatorade Maine Cross Country Runner of the Year Matt McClintock of Maine. Kerr says he can't wait to suit up in the old gold and black.

"I'm definitely looking forward to training with guys that are faster than I am and will push me to be better. Coach Stewart also seems to have made a lot of gains already (with the development of Cale Allen) and I'm excited to benefit from his guidance as well. However, I'm most excited for the opportunities the engineering school should offer me post-collegiately that will set me up for a successful career. The cafeteria food there is fantastic too."

Now that his college decision is made Kerr can focus on his senior season. He says running for the Huskies has been a highlight of his high school career and that there work to be done in the coming months.

"If there were a single defining moment I'll remember it would be qualifying for state as a team for the first time in 49 years last fall. However, I'll definitely most remember the relationships I made with all my teammates over the years training together. My high school career isn't over yet though, I'm looking forward to making some new memories come June."
 

Personal Bests
 

  • 1600 Meter Run4:26.05

  • 3200 Meter Run9:41.86

  • 5000 Meter Run15:25.00

 

 

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