Sights Set High
BUTLER TWP — Setting records while setting up her future.
Butler senior Anna Baxter is doing a pretty good job of it through the Golden Tornado track and field program.
The indoor and outdoor hurdle and relay standout recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and track career at Duquesne University.
“My main focus there will be on academics,” Baxter said, “but I'm excited about being able to run track for another four years, too.”
Baxter also considered Seton Hill, St. Francis and Slippery Rock before opting for the Atlantic 10 and Duquesne. She carries a 4.12 grade-point average at Butler and plans to enter the health sciences field, gearing toward a pre-med degree.
“The academics at that school are excellent in that field,” Baxter said.
Her performance on the track hasn't been too shabby, either.
Baxter's best time in the outdoor 300-meter hurdles is 45.44 seconds. Katie Butler holds the school record at 44.14 seconds.
“Anna is right in the neighborhood,” Butler track and field coach John Williams said. “I think she'll get there. I know she's focused on it.”
Baxter runs the 60-meter hurdles and 4x400 meter relay in indoor track. She runs the 100 dash and 300 hurdles, and the 4x400 in outdoor.
“The 300 hurdles is her best event,” Butler hurdles coach Jeff Renwick said. “I know she can take a run at the WPIAL title and place high at states there.”
Baxter placed fourth in the WPIAL meet and eighth in the PIAA meet in the 300 hurdles last season.
In college, she will run the 400-meter hurdles.
“I think she will do even better in that event,” Renwick said. “Anna has a lot of speed on the track and she clears the hurdles with room to spare.”
Besides maintaining her track success, Baxter plans to continue excelling in the classroom.
“My academics will always come first, “ she said. “I want to continue carrying a 4.0 in college. I'm hoping to make an impact in the hurdles and get on the 4x4 relay, too.”
Experience is on her side. Baxter is entering her fourth year of indoor and outdoor track at Butler.
“I see her having a big year,” Williams said. “Anna is one of our leaders. She thrives on competition and I anticipate her doing big things.”
