The Daily Standard
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CELINA - Finding the right school for education played a big part for a pair of Celina athletes as they made their college choices on Wednesday.
Bowler Chablis Krick chose Indiana Wesleyan University for its nursing program, while track standout Luke Lazarich plans for a future in mechanical engineering while attending the renowned program at Ohio Northern University.
Celina's Chablis Krick, seated center, will attend Indiana Wesleyan and bowl for the Wildcats. Seated with Chablis are her parents Sara and Cory Krick. Standing are Celina girls bowling coach Josh Goff, Indiana Wesleyan associate athletic director Adam Meyers and Celina athletic director Derek Wenning.
In signing with the NAIA program located in Marion, Krick found a perfect school to attend.
"I love the campus. It's beautiful," said Krick. "Everything was just beautiful and made for me."
Competing in the Crossroads League, IWU finished seventh in the qualifying round of the league tournament this season and did not make the championship bracket.
"I like the program," said Krick. "They have your back. I'll be very successful.
"And they have a very good nursing program."
A three-time All-Western Buckeye League honoree, the past two seasons a second-team selection, Krick helped the Bulldogs achieve a milestone this spring. They won the Division I district title for their first-ever team qualification for the state tournament.
The Bulldogs missed qualifying for the eight-team championship round, and Krick finished her high school career recording a 483 series to place 54th in the individual standings.
"(We) have a competitive nature with bowling here in Celina," said Krick. "I'll be able to take that with me."
Celina's Luke Lazarich, seated center, will attend Ohio Northern University and compete in track and field for the Polar Bears. Seated with Luke are his parents John and Karen Lazarich. Standing are Celina athletic director Derek Wenning, head track and field coach Eric Wagner and assistant coach Chad Highley.
When it came to deciding on a college, Lazarich's thoughts turned to the NCAA Division III school in Ada based on its engineering reputation.
"They have a highly sought-after engineering program," said Lazarich. "I ended up changing my major to mechanical engineering. It was a real good choice for me.
"The coach (Polar Bear assistant coach Molly Amidon) was looking at me and was looking forward to me running there and improving my athleticism (and) seeing what I could do for her track team."
The Polar Bears had a solid indoor season, finishing third at the Ohio Athletic Conference Championships. Last season, ONU was third at the OAC outdoor championships.
Lazarich's main forte is the hurdles, which is what the Polar Bears are looking for from him. Lazarich placed sixth at the WBL meet last season in the 300-meter hurdles.
His ability to work sprints and relays could come into play as well.
"Hopefully, I can help out in other areas," said Lazarich.
As for what he'll take with him to Ohio Northern from his years at Celina, Lazarich focused on two main points.
"Even when things get tough, there's always light at the end of the tunnel," said Lazarich. "Just surround yourself with good people that will push you and make you a better person."
