Berkeley Engelland, a senior for Mt. Vernon/Plankinton, wrapped up her South Dakota prep career over the weekend. She won two state titles at the state meet this year, the 800m run and the 400m dash, which gave her a total of twelve state championships for her high school resume.
Growing up in small-town South Dakota, she got the opportunity to be involved in multiple activities, but for track, her love began at a young age.
“Running has always been my thing. Since I was doing the pacer test back in PE class,” Engelland said. “I don’t know, I just found a drive in it and stuck with it.”
Through her first two years of high school, she won six state titles. As a junior she won the 100, 200, 400, and 800, which gave her ten state championships entering her senior state meet. Now with winning the 400 and 800 as a senior, she walks away with an even dozen.
“I don’t know if there’s a way to describe it,” she exclaimed. “It’s pretty special I guess. It feels awesome.”
Growing up, she set high goals for herself, but to achieve those goals is a whole different story.
“Dream? Yes. Did I think it would be a reality? No. I don’t know if anyone does,” Engelland explained. “It’s pretty amazing to step up [on the podium] as many times I did. I have everybody around me to thank, honestly.”
She credits her family for helping push her to being the athlete she is today.
“I have a competitive family. I have a brother and two sisters, and we push each other every day. Everything we do is a competition,” she said with a chuckle. “But honestly, a lot goes out to my family, my coaches, and the fans who have surrounded me for all these years. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Next year, Engelland will attend the University of South Dakota where she’ll continue her track career at the collegiate level.
“I’ve never really been able to train year-round, because I’ve had volleyball and basketball every year,” she stated. “That’s the price you pay when you go to a small school. But, I’m just excited, looking forward to that, and seeing where that takes me.”
And as she stepped off the award stand for the final time, with one final applause from the stands at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, she will take with her the memories of doing something special in South Dakota.
“The population, the fans, they’re all amazing. They come here, they know you, everyone is talking to you. They cheer you on and no one is rude,” she said. “The atmosphere, I guess. You have everyone here, all the fans. Whether they’re cheering for you or not, they’re respectful, and it’s awesome.”
Along with leaving a legacy of twelve state championships, Engelland also walks away from her prep career as the state meet record holder for ‘A’ girls in the 400 and 800.
