SHELBYVILLE, IL. —
Okaw Valley's multiple state medalist, senior Olivia Herzog, is taking her smalltown work ethic to Division-I Northern Illinois University next year. The announcemant was made on Monday at her official signing ceremony at Okaw Valley High School.
The Sullivan-Okaw Valley Co-op track star was the first in team history to becoma an IHSA State double medalist last year. Herzog placed 2nd in the state in the shot and 3rd in the state in discus. She was 4th in shot her freshman year and 3rd in shot her sophomore year. In middle school she was a double-medalist and a state champ, as well.
SOV coach Kali Taylor praised Herzog for her accomplishments.
"She put in the extra time," Taylor said. "She shows tremednous effort and talent. Signing Division-I is the icing on the cake. Now that she is signed, she can go out this spring and have fun."
Why did Herzog pick NIU?
"I love the coach," Herzog said. "I met the track girls and the team is like a family. Also, the educational program is good for me. I'm going to study psychology. They have a new freshman dorm and a new facility for indoor track will be finished in the middle of my freshman year."
Herzog was also recruited by DePaul and the University of Illinois. When Herzog went to state in 6th grade she new she had the talent to carry her to collegiate track.
ívision-I is a great accomplishment and a great opportunity," Herzog said. "My goal in college is to be in the Top 10 in the MAC conference."
Herzog will be a teammate of fellow Okaw Valley Conference track star Lydia Mitchell of Tolono. Herzog said that NIU will have just four throwers next year. One is a javelin thrower, one is a sophomore, and the other one is an incoming freshman.
Herzog gave credit to her summer throwing coach, Tom Willard of Mahomet, for helping her succeed in her events. Willard coaches the Illini Heat Track Club.
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Olivia Herzog flanked by her parents and her SOV track coach, signs her "letter of intent" on Monday to attend Northern Illinois University and throw shot and discus.
Multiple State Medalist Olivia Herzog Signs With NIU
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