Capital Striders scholarship program for high school cross-country athletes in Polk county began in 1999 with one $500 award. The number of awards and the amount per scholarship has grow since then and this year, we were able to again present five $1200.00 scholarships.
Three of these scholarships are named after supporters of Capital Striders:
1. Dave Hurd was an avid runner and patron of running and wellness in Central Iowa.
2. Chuck Jipp, who lost his battle with ALS in 2000, was a long-time Striders Board Member, volunteer, and runner.
3. Stan Smith was one of the first members of the organized version of the Capital Striders, and contributed endlessly to the running community whether it be youth programs, high school, collegiate, or lifetime.
For the second year in a row we have been able to offer an additional scholarship, named for Kinetic Edge, for donated additional scholarship funds. Special thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Todd Schemper, a long-time Striders member.
The 2018 Capital Striders Scholarship Winners are:
Alexandra (Alex) Robran - Kinetic Edge Scholarship
Duncan Kyhl - Stan Smith Scholarship
Claire Wubben - Capital Striders Scholarship
Isabel Buchanan - David Hurd Scholarship
Kelsey Lyons - Chuck Jipp Scholarship
A few highlights about each student:
Alex Robran graduated from Ankeny High School and plans to attend University of Minnesota Duluth this fall. While in high school she participated in cross country, track, marching band, student council, show choir and National Honor Society.
Duncan Kyhl graduated from Dowling Catholic and plans to attend Creighton University this fall. While at Dowling he participated in cross country, hockey, lacrosse, track, choir and National Honor Society; and he was an Eagle Scout.
Claire Wubben graduated from Ankeny Centennial High School and plans to attend Baylor University this fall. While in high school she participated in cross country, track, band, French club and National Honor Society.
Isabel Buchanan graduated from Roosevelt High School and plans to attend the University of Denver this fall. While in high school she participated in cross country, track, soccer, Student Advisory Board, Iowa Youth Institute and 4H.
Kelsey Lyons graduated from Ankeny Centennial High School and plans to attend the University of Iowa this fall. While in high school she participated in cross country, soccer, marching/jazz band, garden club, and Spanish club.