BNHS holds first 2015-2016 commitment ceremony

By Kathryn Menue
Editor
BELVIDERE – On the evening of Monday, Feb. 22, Belvidere North High School staff, students, and athletes gathered in the Forum Room to witness the first athletic student of the 2015-2016 school year commit to a university.
Addie Crocker, a senior at Belvidere North High School and a second year Running Start student at Rock Valley College, signed onto run track and cross country at Roosevelt University in Chicago.
Crocker was in contact with numerous schools and went on seven university tours before narrowing her search between Roosevelt and the University of Illinois.
However, the city called to her and she decided to go with Roosevelt to continue her academic and athletic career.
“I had a lot of contact with the coach [at Roosevelt] and went on a lot of visits to make sure it was the right choice for me,” Crocker said.
Crocker hopes to focus on the 200, the 400, sprints, and distance running at Roosevelt University.
“I’m very proud she’s going to the next level,” Coach Yunk said.
The ceremony began around 4 p.m. with the forum room filling with Crocker’s family, friends, fellow runners, and faculty members who all rushed to the signing to support her.
Belvidere North Athletic Director Jody Flynn kicked-off the ceremony by announcing some of Crocker’s accomplishments throughout her high school career.
Besides being a dual credit student, Crocker also played volleyball and basketball her freshman year, ran cross country her sophomore and junior year, and ran track all four years.
Her athleticism comes as an inherited family trait. Her father was a state champion for Belvidere High School for his running and her brother has moved onto the college track doing well at the University of Missouri. The crowd joked that her younger brother was sure to follow in their footsteps.
Crocker has been an academic NIC-10 athlete, has been on the honor roll and has been inducted into the National Honor Society, has been involved with the Belvidere Park District, Edward’s Apple Orchard, and has volunteered her time with the Special Olympics.
Through her extracurricular activities, Crocker has found a passion for running and a passion for aiding others. In her college career, she plans on majoring in special education so she can one day become a special education teacher.
Crocker’s coaches each took a turn to express their well-wishes toward her future both on the track and off.
“Addie is a great athlete on the team. We look forward to hearing things from her at Roosevelt,” Coach Hunter said. “I wish nothing but the best for Addie. Enjoy your time and we will miss you.”
Coach Grover only had nice things to say about Addie too.
“It’s been enjoyable to work with Addie,” Grover said. “She’s always been fun to work with. We call her the Relay Queen because she is willing to go in when we need her.”
Coaches Husser and Downey, former teachers, fellow runners, and friends added their sentiments to Crocker wishing her luck in her future endeavors.
Crocker and her family were so overwhelmed by the support from the BNHS community.
“Obviously the reason she’s had so much success is because she’s had so much support,” Crocker’s mother said.
Crocker too thanked her coaches, teachers, and peers for supporting her.
“I wouldn’t be here without you guys,” Crocker said.
After the ceremony, the attendees were able to join Crocker and her family for pictures and sweet treats, to honor the young woman of the hour.