One of the most difficult decisions for a sophomore college student is deciding on a major. That isn’t the case for sophomore cross country runner
Kaycee Knutson (Esko, Minn./Esko). Coming from a family where education has been a way of life has made Knutson feel right at home in the education field.
“Ever since I was in fourth grade I knew that I was going to be an elementary teacher. My mom has had such a strong impact on my life, and I have always loved to go and watch her and see how great she is with the kids. My love for working with kids started at an early age, because I was around her all the time.”
Kaycee’s mother, Kari, has been a kindergarten teacher for 26 years. She taught in the Alexandria school district for 18 years, before moving to Esko, where she currently teaches at Winterquist Elementary. Knutson points to her mother’s influence as being why, among many other reasons why she knew that elementary education was right for her.
“I just love being around kids, it’s something that I have always had a passion for. I look forward to being able to do something that I love, and feel as if I will be making a strong impact on children’s lives.”
Kari isn’t the only elementary teacher in the family. Kaycee’s sister Kylee, a 2009 graduate of the College of Saint Benedict, is currently teaching second grade in the Barnum school district.
“Having my sister around for my first year in college was very helpful with academics. With her being in the same department as me, I was able to get a head start and feel very comfortable from the very beginning. She was able to prepare me for what was ahead, and really helped me with the transition from high school to college.”
When she isn’t preparing to be a teacher, Kaycee has cross country to focus on. Knutson returns this fall as one of the Blazers’ most experienced and talented runners. Knutson had an outstanding season as a first-year in 2008, highlighted by a 19th place finish amidst 444 runners at the Tori Neubauer Invitational in La Crosse, WI. Knutson’s time of 22:32 in that race earned her the second best 6K time in Blazer school history.
“I was very proud of the way that I ran last year, especially since it was my first year competing at the college level. Cross country is such a great sport, because the mental aspect is such a huge factor, and it’s a great feeling when you get done with a race.”
In 2009, Kaycee is picking up right where she left off last season. She is fresh off of a 16th place finish at the National Catholic Invite Friday, September 19th at the University of Notre Dame In Notre Dame, IN.
“I feel as though I’m off to a good start, and I look forward to another great season with my teammates.” Knutson continued, “What really motivates me when the going gets tough in a race is the thought that cross country is a team sport. It really pushes me, because I want to do my best for them.”
Although Knutson’s main focus right now is on the cross country season, it won’t be long before Kaycee finds herself joining her sister and mother in the education community. Being that Knutson grew up in a family where education is so important, she wouldn’t have it any other way.