Name: Nikki Kerns
School: Altoona
Age: 18
Grade: 12
Sport: Track and field
Athlete of the week achievement: Kerns opened the season with victories in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles and high jump in victories over Indiana and Penn Trafford. She followed that with wins in the same events at the Altoona Igloo Invitational. Her 300 hurdles time of 46.24 was a meet record. It is the third best in the state.
Season update: Kerns has two first-place finishes in the 100- and 300-hurdles and high jump.
Coach Steve Rhodes's quote: "Nikki has paid her dues in the weight room since the season ended last year. She takes her conditioning seriously and never cuts corners during workouts. She's our leader and does all the things champion athletes do to be successful. I have no doubt her work ethic and attitude will lead to a great senior season."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Falger
Favorite subject: Spanish
Favorite movie: "Step Brothers"
Favorite food: Crab legs
Favorite song: "International Love" by Pit Bull featuring Chris Brown
Outside interests: Spanish and reading
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: LoLo Jones
Best athlete I ever played with: Altoona graduate Kelly Davis
Best athlete I ever competed against: Abington Heights' Leah Nugent
Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents and my grandparents
Proudest athletic achievement: When our 4-by-4 relay team medaled at the Penn Relays in 2010.
How I got my start in track and field: "In junior high, everyone did track."
Future goal: Go to Johns Hopkins and have a great track career there and go to medical school.
