Five local athletes announce commitment to NSU Track and Field

3-31-22

ABERDEEN, S.D. (NSUWolves.com) — Watertown seniors Evan Halbe, Paden Johnson, and Jessee Pietz along with Kamryn Schwartz of Sioux Valley and Emma Sheffield of Deubrook Area have announced their commitment to Northern State University Track and Field beginning this fall.

Halbe is a 6-foot distance runner out of Watertown High School. He is a 6-year letter winner for the Arrows under the direction of head coach Chad Rhode. Halbe holds personal bests of 4:36.00 in the 1600m, 10:36.00 in the 3200m, and 17:04.00 in the 5000m. He is a 2021 Academic All-State recipient. He is the son of Betsy Baldry and Pat Halbe.

Johnson is a 6-foot-8 thrower out of Watertown High School. He is a 2-year letter winner for the Arrows under the direction of head coach Chad Rohde. Johnson holds personal bests of 50’1/4” in the shot put and 143’9” in the discus. He will also join the Northern State football team. He is the son of Cory and Radeanna Johnson.

Pietz is a 5-foot-7 sprinter out of Watertown High School. He holds prep personal bests of 54.70 in the 400m, 23.70 in the 200m, and 11.84 in the 100m. Pietz was a multiple event qualifier at the 2021 South Dakota State meet, competing in the relay events. He is the son of Justin and Lehla Pietz.

Schwartz is a 5-foot-4 jumper out of Sioux Valley High School. She is a 5-year letter winner for the Cossacks under the direction of head coach Don Sutera. Schwartz holds personal bests of 35’1.25” in the triple jump and 15’10” in the long jump. She is a 2-time state place winner and a member of the 4x100m relay school record at Sioux Valley. She is the daughter of Steve and Beth Schwartz and sister of current Wolves football student-athlete Tyler Schwartz.

Sheffield is a 6-foot thrower out of Deubrook Area. She is a 2-year letter winner for the Dolphins under the direction of head coaches Rachelle DeBeer and Haley Scalise. Sheffield holds personal bests of 35’6” in the shot put and 104’1” in the discus. She is the daughter of Mark and Christine Sheffield.

The five join 23 other student-athletes who announced their commitment to Northern State Track and Field on Thursday.