Union hurdler Sydney Anton, second from left, pictured with her family including (l-r) her parents Lisa and Mark Anton, and her younger sister Emily Anton during her signing ceremony with Minnesota State University held in the Union High School gym earlier this month. PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA ANTON

LA PORTE CITY – Earlier this month, Union senior Sydney Anton – a track star in hurdles and standout cross country runner – signed with Minnesota State University to continue her athletic and academic careers next school year.

“[The Minnesota State] environment clicked immediately and I really liked the coaching staff,” Anton told the Telegraph of her decision to commit to the Mankato, Minn. school. “The team is very well structured and they are very successful with their athletes there. I feel like I will be pushed athletically, but also academically.”

While attending a track camp at Minnesota State last July, Anton “got a feeling of home” on the campus, her mother Lisa Anton said. Following camp, Anton scheduled an official college visit and was offered a spot on the track team in the challenging events of pentathlon and heptathlon – combined track and field competitions in which athletes compete in five and seven events, respectively.

Anton’s plans as a Maverick include pursuing either a biochemistry or biology degree in hopes of one day becoming a dentist.

In addition to Minnesota State, she also considered UNI, Winona State University, and St. Cloud University.

During last year’s high school track and field season, Anton helped lead the Class 2A Union girls team to both a district championship and an appearance at state. Anton individually qualified in both the 100-meter and 400-meter hurdles, and as a member of the 4X100m shuttle hurdle team which finished sixth overall.

This past cross country season, Anton helped propel Union’s girls team to a No. 12 ranking in Class 2A ahead of districts where the team placed fifth overall.