Name: Nikki Kerns
School: Altoona
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Sport: Track and field
Athlete of the week achievement: Kerns won the 100- and 300-meter hurdles in the Altoona Igloo Invitational and placed second in both the high jump and the 1,600 relay.
Season update: Kerns has the top time in the 300 hurdles in the state this season (47.45 seconds).
Coach Steve Rhodes' quote: "Nikki had a great start to the season. Her success can be attributed to her work ethic - very few kids work harder than her. She is a highly motivated athlete, and I'm sure those attributes are going to pave the way for a successful season.''
Favorite teacher: Mr. Zolnak
Favorite subject: Spanish
Favorite movie: "Braveheart''
Favorite food: Crab legs
Favorite song: "Moment 4 Life'' by Nicki Minaj featuring Drake
Outside interests: Cross country, reading
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: Lolo Jones
Best athlete I ever competed with: Kelly Davis
Best athlete I ever competed against: State College's Paige Fry
Most influential person on my athletic career: My family, especially my parents, Lori and Ben Piper
Proudest athletic achievement: Our 4-by-400 relay team medaled at the Penn Relays last year
How I got my start in track: "Everyone ran track and field [in seventh grade] - all of my friends went out for track.''
Future goal: "I'd like to get a scholarship, go to college and be the best I can be in everything.''
