ShawneeDispatch.com

On March 15, Mill Valley's Amber Keith continued her family's collegiate legacy and signed with Baker University.

For Keith, a standout on Mill Valley's cross country and track teams the last few years whose family is rich in Wildcat tradition, the decision to attend Baker was a no-brainer.

"I looked into Mid-America, but I had my mind set on Baker from the get-go, because several family members on my mom's side of the family went to school there, and it seemed like the best fit for me," Keith said. "Plus, I liked the idea of a small school, and I wanted the opportunity to run, as well."

Keith will do plenty of running next year for the Wildcats and coach Rob Mallinder, who recruited Keith for cross country but plans to utilize her talents on the track and field team, too.

"Coach Mallinder recruited me primarily as a cross country runner, but I will definitely be participating in indoor and outdoor track as well," Keith said.

During her time at Mill Valley, Keith was a quick study and became one of the Jaguars' strongest runners during her high school career despite having no previous running experience heading into her four years at Mill Valley.

"I learned what running was all about at Mill Valley, and I am going to miss the closeness of my team and my coaches next year," Keith said of her time as a Jaguar. "But hopefully I will have the same positive experience next year at Baker, and can continue to improve as a runner at the collegiate level."

Although Keith is saddened her chapter at Mill Valley is coming to an end, she is thrilled to have the arduous task of deciding upon a college behind her, and is eager to begin her next chapter as a Wildcat.

"It feels really good to finally have everything squared away, and I am ready to move on," Keith said. "I am excited about the upcoming year, and plan to train really hard over the summer, so that I can be prepared to step right in and perform."

Keith plans to enroll at Baker for the fall semester, and will put her talents on display when the Wildcats girls cross country season begins shortly after.