BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Taya Fettig has always known one thing: how to run very fast.
“I don’t even know what I would do if I couldn’t run anymore,” Taya said.
After missing portions of her sophomore and junior seasons with injuries, being back on the track is even more special.
“I’ve always loved running ever since I was little,” Taya said.
The Bismarck Demon is a three-time state champion. She won all of them in her junior season, and now, she’s preparing to run in college at the University of Nebraska.
“I am so thankful,” Taya said. “This has been my biggest dream ever since I was young, so I’m so thankful for this opportunity, and I’m very excited.”
Running track at a Big Ten school is a big accomplishment.
“I knew I wanted to go bigger,” Taya said. “I just wanted to go to a big school where I knew I would get pushed, and where I would improve even more than I am now.”
Taya has never had to look far for motivation. Her older brother, Brock, is a Division I wrestler at South Dakota State.
“I’ve always looked up to him, and looking at him, he worked so hard through high school, and it made me more competitive,” Taya said. “I always wanted to be just as good as him in all of his sports, so I think it definitely made me work harder in mine.”
Taya’s work continues with two weeks until the state meet. She has hopes of chasing down a few more titles, and something even bigger.
“Definitely, I obviously want to win again,” Taya said. “I think that’s probably my biggest goal, but I also want to get my times down because I need qualifying times for nationals.”
Taya is less than a second away from qualifying for Nike Outdoor Nationals, an event that could show her skill on an even bigger platform.
“Just improving on my times, obviously winning again, and obviously winning a team title would be my ultimate goals,” Taya said.
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