Esther Vermeer lands scholarship to Duke
Marcel Vander Wier, Grimsby Lincoln News
Published on
May 14, 2008
Esther Vermeer's running career is going south.
About 12 hours south, to Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
The Smithville District Christian High School Grade 12 student recently accepted a scholarship offer from the prestigious university and will officially don the Blue Devil colours this August.
The 18-year-old Grimsby native was being courted by a variety of NCAA Division 1 schools since last summer for her abilities on the track in the 800-metre and five-kilometre runs.
Vermeer said much of the interest stemmed after her participation at the World Junior Championships last July, where she ran the 800-metre in 2:09.20 and reached the semi-finals.
Fifteen American schools came calling.
In December, Vermeer narrowed it down to four - Florida State, Syracuse, West Virginia and Duke.
Then in January, she spent her four weekends touring each of those campuses.
"After that, it was between West Virginia and Duke," she said.
"One night, I'd go to sleep and think OK, I'm going to West Virginia. The next morning I'd wake up and say, no, I'm going to Duke."
In mid-February, a phone call from a Duke advisor helped Vermeer make her final decision. Duke's offer ranges around $50,000 per year for four years and includes tuition, housing, books, travel and athletics.
"I think I'll fit in there," said Vermeer, who's personal best run of 2:08.53 in the 800-metre was almost six seconds faster than Duke's top female finisher last year.
According to GoDuke.com, the university's official athletics website, the top outdoor time in the 800 was 2:14.24.
"I'm really excited to go to Duke," said Vermeer, daughter of Terry and Corrie. "I'm counting down the days."
When she leaves for North Carolina this August, it will mark the first time that any SDCH student has gone to Duke.
Although she does not yet know what subject she will major in, she is sure to do well, as she is currently in the top five per cent in her class academically. Her favourites are biology and math.
Vermeer said her successes stem from a dedication to the track - she's been training year-round at the Niagara Olympic Club since her Grade 8 days at John Knox - and the ability to accept a coach's advice.