PARKERSBURG — Chris Elschlager, a senior at Parkersburg South High School, has signed up to compete with the Wheeling Jesuit University track team. Elschlager competes as a sprinter and jumper for Parkersburg South. He joined up with the track team during his sophomore year, balancing his time with track and baseball, until eventually switching his main focus on competiting with the track team in 2018. “They (Wheeling Jesuit) offered me a scholarship based on my junior time,” said Elschalger. During his junior year of high school, Elschlager competed at the Class AAA track state meet and was involved in a few events. As a jumper, he competed in the long jump where he took home fourth place at states. At the same meet he competed in the 4×110 meter shuttle hurdles assisting his team to a third place with a time of 56.99. Lastly, he competed in 110 meter hurdles where he took a time of 15.36. As the current track season has come into fruition Elschalger’s track coach Erwin DeGraef anticipateed the student athlete will have repeat success. “He’s really matured this season.” said DeGraef. “He’s putting on his best times of the season. Maybe of his career. He’s one of those atheltes that you wish you had 6 of.” The move to compete at Wheeling Jesuit University was based on a few factors for Elschlager. One of the factors was deciding on his field of study. “I’m going to major in excercise science because I want to be around sports all my life.” said Elschlager, “I’m really interested in health and the human body. So I kind of want to put the two together.” Another influence on his decision was the culture of the school. “The amount of interest they showed in me.. I’m just really thankful for that, and then the culture itself is just really fun and serious at the same time.” said Elschlager, “It reminds me of being here.” DaGraef knew this move to compete at the college level was inevitable for Elschlager. “He’s always had the desire to go to the next level up.” said Degraeft, “Most athletes that are on his level definitely strive to be on the next level. I actually toured Wheeling Jesuit myselft about four years ago, good institution, and he’ll be a great asset to them.” Elschlager is excited to compete as a Cardinal and to be involved in the NCAA Division II after visiting the school twice and observing the team practicing. “I just love competiting.” said Elschlager, “It pushes me through life and helps me get through everything.”