NorthWood Track: Stutsman Chooses IWU
![](https://www.inkfreenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/stutsman-signing.jpg)
NorthWood senior runner Erica Stutsman chose Indiana Wesleyan University to continue her athletic and academic careers. Seated with Erica are parents Jill and Tim Stutsman. In the back row are NorthWood athletic director Norm Sellers, IWU assistant track coach John Foss, NorthWood track coach Annie Boocher and NorthWood track head coach Mark Mikel. (Photo provided)
NAPPANEE – Quietly, Erica Stutsman has become one of the area’s top runners. Making a statement Wednesday, Stutsman chose to continue that march by signing with Indiana Wesleyan University to further her running career.
Stutsman, a speedy distance star senior from NorthWood, continues to further the quality area talent choosing Wesleyan as their college destination. Largely based on Stutsman’s deep faith-based approach, Stutsman is also bringing a long list of accomplishments from both the running aspect and also the classroom work.
On the track, Stutsman finished a career-best third at the IHSAA State Finals in the 800-meter run, a school-record time of 2:13.21. That finish capped a season that saw her win both the Northern Lakes Conference and sectional titles in the event and finish second in the regional. Stutsman also helped NorthWood to a trio of top-five finishes in the 4×400 relay in the postseason, including second at the sectional. Stutsman and her 4×800 relay team also hold the school record and as a sophomore, finished 18th in the state in the 400 dash after winning the sectional and regional titles.
In cross country, Stutsman was a semi-state qualifier this season, placing 14th at the New Haven Semi-state. It was the fourth consecutive year of semi-state qualification for Stutsman, was also was a four-time MVP for the NorthWood team and a two-time All-NLC performer.
In the classroom, Stutsman is carrying a 3.99 GPA and is a four-year NorthWood Scholar Athlete.
After generating looks from several major programs across the country, including a host from the SEC, ACC and Big Ten, Stutsman was happy to settle close to home.
“I’ve always trusted in God and his plan, and that’s helped me everyday, not just in a specific decision,” Stutsman said earlier in the month. “I’ve felt where I would end up would feel the best and I just let that process happen naturally.”