Emily Kaiser's Best Marks:
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Tell us first about the decision for UNK. What made the Antelopes your top choice?
I started talking with the track coaches in the beginning of the school year. When I went out for the visit, I forgot about the time change, imagine that! The tour guide for the college was extremely nice and accommodating to our situation, and it really put me at ease. Almost every person I met on campus smiled. Then when I met Coach Polaczek, I knew UNK was a great place. The way he interacts with his athletes made an impact on me. I knew I could learn a lot from him, and I could excel under his guidance. I knew UNK was the right place for me, because I could tell he cared. I loved the campus and the community feel!
What do you plan to study at UNK?
I will study Exercise Science as a major while taking other classes to fulfill my pre-med track. I hope to continue my education to become either a doctor or physical therapist.
Have you participated in other sports at Prairie High School? If so, which? And, will it be strictly track and field once you get to Kearney next school year?
Yes, I have played volleyball for 4 years, and basketball for 3 years. I will be participating in both volleyball and track at UNK.
Prairie High School has a rather substantial tradition in the jumping events. How is it that there have been so many jumpers there?
There must be something in the water! I really can't explain how we have such good jumpers at Prairie, because I honestly don't know. Maybe it's because all of us are usually three-sport athletes, and jumping is a part of every sport. I know speaking for myself, I love to jump and getting to go do it at track is really fun!
Which is your favorite of the three jumps, and why?
Even though I just started, high jump is my favorite of the three. There are so many little things to focus on, from the approach, to the J, to the plant, to the arch, each and every part is important. It is a beautiful and graceful event. I love the complexity of it, yet the simplicity at the same time. There are so many components, but at the end of the day it is most important to go have fun and just jump!
Can you identify for us a highlight of your high school career to date?
The highlight of my track career up to this point was when my sister and I were competing against each other in triple jump at state track. I was a sophomore and Rebecca was a senior. We were ranked 1 and 2, so I would jump and then Rebecca would go right after me. I was in the lead for the entire time, until Rebecca came up on her very last jump. Her last jump and the last jump of the competition and my state championship was on the line. Remember, this is Rebecca's senior season, and I'm just this measly sophomore. While she was jumping I remember hoping and praying that she would win, and I could get another chance the next year. Sure enough, she outjumped me by a half of an inch! I was happier for her than I was for myself getting second. State track has a special place in our family, and it is one of my favorite memories.