Senior Aalin Schmidt is continuing his cross country and track career at Spoon River College. Spoon River is located in Canton, Illinois, and is a two-year year community college founded in 1959.

  As a public, two-year community college, Spoon River College offers a wide range of programs. This includes 30 majors and areas of study and has about 1,212 enrolled students. 

  The transitions of high school to college can be hard, but Spoon River makes sure everyone’s needs are met. 

  Despite the athletics of Spoon River, Schmidt’s college decision was influenced academically. Schmidt stated, “I plan on majoring in electrical engineering, but for now I’m just focusing on getting my gen eds and the proper transfer credits.”

  Schmidt also finds benefits within the college’s scheduling and structure stating that he “like[s] that the class sizes are small, and there’s no class on Fridays. They also have great tutor programs to help keep a good GPA.” The college is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention for students. Spoon River College also provides opportunities for students to participate in clubs, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. 

  Schmidt is a multi-sport athlete, who has participated in cross country and track at S.H.S. since his freshman year. One of Spoon River’s opportunities for students is to grant scholarships towards sports which he took advantage of.  

  Schmidt mentioned, “I’ve been running cross country for seven years now and track for five and I’m receiving a full tuition scholarship to compete in both.”  

  After a highly successful junior year—earning First Team All-Conference in cross country and qualifying for state in both cross country and track (1600m and 3200m)—his senior track season now serves as the final step before advancing to his college career.