SIOUX FALLS, SD -- University of Sioux Falls Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Doug Petersen has announced the signing of eight student-athletes who will continue their academic and athletic careers at USF this fall. Of the seven signees, four will join the women's team compared to the men's three. 
 
The Class of 2021 includes: Caleb Rivera, distance, St. James, Minn.; Ella Kolb, distance, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Jakob Hanna, 5'10, distance/mid-distance, Brandon, S.D.; Ethan Kraft, middle distance, Lander, Wyo.; Jessica Lutmer, distance, Pierre, S.D.; Kamry Lindsey, throws, Appleton, Wisc.; and Kelly Sondgeroth, distance, Platte, S.D.

"We're excited about this incoming recruiting class. We've got a nice blend of athletes on the men's and women's side. Our overall depth is really good and we're looking forward to seeing what these student-athletes will be able to contribute to our program. The potential in this recruiting class is immense and it means we are off to a good start," said Petersen, who is in his sixth year with USF. "We have a group that is talented in competition but have tremendous character and integrity," he said.
 
Jakob Hanna, distance/mid-distance, Brandon, S.D./Brandon Valley HS

A graduate student transfer, Hanna comes to USF from North Dakota State University. While with the Bison, Hanna's personal-bests included: 1:56 in the 800 meters, 4:18 in the mile, 8:34 in the 3,000 meters, 15:00 in the 5,000 meters (road), and 26:12 in the 8,000 meters (cross country). He was also a Summit League champion as part of NDSU's winning distance medley relay squad. At Brandon Valley High School, Hanna was a 14-time conference champion (ESD, Metro) in track, a two-time all-state recipient in cross country, conference champion (ESD) in cross country, two-time cross country captain, state champion in track (800-meters), and a three-time state runner-up in track (1600 meters, twice in the 3200 meters). Outside of athletics, Hanna was a part of the National Honors Society and a member of the Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) at Brandon Valley HS. The son of Dan and Beth Hanna, his sister, Abbi, also runs Track and Field/Cross Country at USF. Hanna plans to obtain a master's degree in Organizational Leadership at USF.

Ethan Kraft, middle distance, Lander, Wyo./Lander Valley HS

Kraft was a standout runner at 800-meters, mile, two-mile and with the 4x800 meter relay while competing for Lander Valley HS. He was all-state and a four-year varsity winner in high school. Kraft also was a member of the Prostart Club for two years. The son of Ian Kraft and Tonya Lancto, who has three siblings - Dylan, Taylor and Tristyn, Kraft will major in exercise science at USF.
 
Ella Kolb, distance, Sioux Falls, S.D./Washington HS

Kolb, a top-25 South Dakota All-State cross country runner at Washington High School, placed 13th at the South Dakota Cross Country Championships in 2020. She was also named Academic All-State and her personal bests include: 19:30 in the 5,000-meters, 12:26 in the two-mile, 5:47 in the one mile, and 2:39 in the 800 meters. Outside of athletics, Kolb was on the Honor Roll, a member of the National Honors Society, Renaissance Committee, Senior Events Committee, SALSA, and the Link Crew. The daughter of Jessica and Jason Kolb, she plans on majoring in psychology at USF with hopes to become a criminal psychologist or practical psychologist. 
 
Kamry Lindsey, throws, Appleton, Wisc./Appleton West HS

A two-sport standout at Appleton West High School, Lindsey played basketball and ran track and field. An All-Area Honorable Mention in track and field, Lindsey varsity lettered three times. She also earned a letter in basketball. Lindsey also played AAU basketball with Appleton West Youth Basketball and Wisconsin Blizzard Basketball. Her personal-bestsin track and field include: 38'7.75" in the shot put and 133'11" in the discus. Lindsey was a state qualifier in track during her freshman and sophomore year. She placed 20th her freshman year in discus and ninth her sophomore year in discus. Off the track, Lindsey was a part of HOSA, National Honors Society, and International Club. She was also a volunteer for the Active Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Appleton West Youth Basketball Association, and at the Bethesda Thrift Store. The daughter of Carrie and Raymond Lindsey, she plans to major in psychology and sociology at USF with hopes of becoming a clinical psychologist who specializes in eating disorders. 
 
Jessica Lutmer, distance, Pierre, S.D./T.F. Riggs HS

A three-sport standout at T.F. Riggs High School, Lutmer ran cross country/track and field and played basketball. In cross country, Lutmer received All-State honors and was three times named All-Eastern South Dakota Conference. In track, she was two-time All-Eastern South Dakota Conference (the mile and the 800) honoree. Outside of athletics, Lutmer was a four-time academic honor roll member, a Governor 2 Governor mentor, and a part of a community service program. The daughter of John and Jill Lutmer, she plans to major in elementary education at USF with hopes to become an elementary school teacher. 
 
Caleb Rivera, distance, St. James, Minn./St. James HS

A four-sport athlete, Rivera ran cross country, track and field, and played hockey and tennis at St. James High School. Rivera was a part of the Big South Conference for AA and A. In cross country, he was the Section 2A Champion and ended the year undefeated. He finished with a number seven ranking in the state of Minnesota in cross country and was a part of three state-bound teams. Named Academic All-State four times, Rivera led his team to a third-place finish at the Minnesota Cross Country Championships as a junior. Outside of athletics, Rivera was a part of the National Honors Society, worked at a nursing home, and was involved in his church. The son of Raymond and Polina Rivera, he plans to major in biology at USF with plans to attend medical school and go into orthopedics. 
 

Kelly Sondgeroth, distance, Platte, S.D.

Sondgeroth, a 2020 Academic All-State recipient for cross country, comes to USF from Platte-Geddes High School, where she ran cross country (team captain) and track and field and was a basketball cheerleader. In 2019, she placed 12th at the South Dakota Cross Country Championships. Her personal bests include: 20:12 in the 5,000-meters, 2:35 in the 800-meters, and 5:45 in the 1600-meters. Off the track, Sondgeroth was involved in FCA, Youth Group, CCD, Teens Encounter Christ, swim team, and a mentor program. She was the recipient of a freshman scholarship and achievement award, a sophomore and junior scholarship, nominated for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence, and National Honors Society, which include serving as NHS secretary. She was also an NSHSS member, the cross country team captain, class president, a girl's state delegate, and a TEC Rector. The daughter of Jess and Melanie Sondgeroth, she plans to major in exercise science at USF with hopes to attend chiropractic school.