Becca Erisman had a big life decision to make.

Erisman decided to sign for track and field with Columbia College and made her intentions clear during a ceremony on Dec. 4 in the Centralia High School gym. The senior has five state medals, including two during her freshman season when the Lady Panthers finished third for their first state trophy since 1985.

Erisman said he liked the academics at Columbia College as he plans to go into its nursing program. There was some other factor that made her comfortable with the destination.

“I love the track team,” Erisman said. “I know a lot about it because my brother and his girlfriend are on the track team. I’m really excited to experience a lot of what they’ve done and to see it for myself.”

Grant Erisman is a senior at Columbia College with multiple championships in the American Midwest Conference.

Becca Erisman was a district champion a season ago in the girls 4x800 relay. She also advanced to sectionals last season in the long jump. Centralia head coach Becca Erisman said it is “a welcome challenge” to determine in which events Erisman will be competing.

“She brings energy and enthusiasm to every practice and is a great leader for our younger athletes,” Sontheimer said. “Her two greatest strengths are her year-round commitment to track and field and her versatility as an athlete. As a coaching staff, we feel that Becca could help us in eight or nine different events.”

Erisman said she has had “amazing” coaches before and during high school that have made her the athlete she is today.

“They make great workouts for us,” Erisman said. “I have amazing teammates who push me every day in practice. Without them, I would not have the success that I’ve had.”

Erisman admitted that she wasn’t a great runner earlier in her life but now she has five state medals as part of various relay teams. She pointed out she had “a lot of growth” in long jump last season that ended with her just missing the cut for state by one spot in fifth place.

“Over time, I got better and I kept practicing,” Erisman said. “Definitely throughout high school, I have seen great improvements. I just barely didn’t make the cutoff for state (in long jump), but I am working towards that this year.”

Sontheimer said Erisman should do well in college after being a big contributor for the Lady Panthers one more season.

“Becca has been a tremendous asset to our track program the last three years,” Sontheimer said. “We are glad to have her for one more season before she begins competing at the college level.”