DWU cross-country signs local talent

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University women's cross-country team has inked a local talent for its' newest member of the 2019 season in Annika Vermeulen, head coach Jamen Helton announced Monday.

 The Mitchell, S.D., native will run cross-country at DWU following her career with the Mitchell High School cross country team. Her best time in the 1,600-meter run was 6:09 minutes, while her best time in the 800-meter run was in 2:42. She tallied a time of 21:07 for her personal best in the 5K.

 "We are excited to have Annika join the DWU family," Helton said. "She had a great career at Mitchell that was highlighted by a fantastic senior season. We look forward to seeing her continue that success here for the next four years."

 Vermeulen was named the team captain in both 2017 and 2018, while being honored with the Hustler Award in 2017 and 2018. She was named Most Improved in 2015, Most Inspirational in 2017 and won the MVP Award in 2018.

 She also was named to the cross-country Academic All-State Team and was a member of the National Honor Society and honor roll.

 She is the daughter of Randy and Lisa Vermeulen and is undecided on her major.