Day in the Life: Kristen Ostrem
Students excel on the field as well as in the classroom
By Alyseia Smith
STAFF WRITER
Kristen Ostrem is a record-breaking member of the track and cross country team, and she is only a sophomore. A typical day for Ostrem involves going to her classes, followed by track practice at four o’clock. After the team practices for over an hour, Ostrem will usually lift weights to improve her strength. On the weekends, besides the meets, Ostrem runs on her own.
Ostrem started running at a very young age and knew she was born to do it.
In seventh grade, Ostrem went out for track and started with short to middle distance runs. In high school she did middle distance, the mile and the 4x4. Ostrem started cross country during her sophomore year of
high school.
“Being involved in cross country helped me get stronger for track. I would lift weights a lot as well. I am an over-acheiver, so I would always push myself to become even better,” Ostrem said.
In high school, Ostrem went to state three years for cross country and two years for track. She placed 8th in track and 9th in cross country.
At Evangel, Ostrem has broken 10 records, some of them being her own. The outdoor event records she has broken include the 10,000 meter, 1500 meter and the steeple chase. Ostrem was also a member of the record-breaking 4x800 meter relay team. The indoor events she has broken include the 5000, 3000 and 4x800 meter relay.
“This year I won the co-athlete of the meet at the indoor conference that was held two weeks before Spring Break. All of the coaches voted on who was the best athlete of the meet and I was selected along with one other girl,” Ostrem said.
Ostrem was able to attend cross country and indoor nationals last year, as well as indoor nationals this year.
Coach Lynn Bowen said, “Kristen has been one of the hardest working young ladies that we have ever had in our women’s track program. Her practice preparation is outstanding, and the results of it are evident in her establishing many school records. She is an outstanding Christian student athlete and a positive influence to her teammates. I am sure that she will continue to be successful in her endeavors here at Evangel.”
Ostrem is already looking towards the future. “Whatever God has for me is good. I am interested in business and missions. I really like helping people. Another possibility is non-profit ministries or owning my own business. I want to travel a lot as well,” Ostrem said. After college, Ostrem also plans to continue her running, and she says she hopes to do marathons and possibly even a triathalon.