Thaddeus Shelter got into running because it was a fun way to spend some time with his friends. And he’ll be making some new friends this fall when he joins the cross country team at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. 

“The relationships you build is one of the things that kept making me come back to the sport,” Shetler said. “That was the main thing for a long time. 

“But then I started to actually enjoy running and I started applying myself and working towards a goal. And I guess I felt like I had the work ethic to move on to the next level, and I also felt like it’d be a good way to build relationships.”

Mid-Prairie held a signing day for its seniors on Wednesday, May 11, where Shetler talked about his decision to attend UW-Platteville. 

“The reason I picked it over Iowa State was because of its smaller size,” Shetler said.”So with the professors, I’d have a little bit more of a connection.

”It offered the academic area I was interested in, which was electrical engineering. With those two things, I felt like it was the best fit for me.”

The Pioneers compete in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division III level. Over half of the teams in the conference finished in the top 25 at the Division III men’s cross country championships last year, which included two in the top 10. 

Most of the races at the collegiate level, including the championship races, are 8000 meters long. Shetler has been running 5000 meter races at his high school meets. 

“It definitely means I’m going to have to run more miles and train more,” Shetler said. “I’m not quite sure what all it will entail, but it definitely will require a little bit more mental toughness.”

Shetler medaled at the state cross country meet in the fall and medaled in the 1600-meter run at the state track meet a year ago. 

His track coach, Dain Jeppson, said that it was a rewarding experience for him to watch that race as a coach. 

“I don’t think that everyone sees the true picture when you see him having success,” he explained. “Along the way there were some bumps in the road — two cross country seasons where he was injured. As an athlete, that just messes with your mind, because you’re always questioning yourself… Am I doing the right things? Why can’t I get healthy? So to see him now and see him having success, I’m so happy for him.”

Jeppson sees success ahead for Shetler because of his perseverance, work ethic, and his character. 

“He’s a great leader,” Jeppson said. “He organizes all these guys to run every day and as a coach, that’s just very fulfilling.”