Joe Tereba didn’t plan on staying in Winona, but he received an offer he couldn’t refuse.

On Wednesday, February 5, with his parents at his side, Joe signed a National Letter of Intent to join the cross country program at Winona State University.

Joe started running cross country in seventh grade with an open mind and the drive to succeed. Tereba worked hard over the summer of his eighth grade year and the work certainly paid off. Joe’s first State meet appearance came later that fall. Joe has continued his success reaching the state meet three out of four years in high school and placing as high as 65th overall and was a member of a Cotter team which finished fifth in the state.

“I have been so lucky to be able to run with such great teammates and I’m so thankful for Coach Forney and Coach Costello for making me the runner I am today” Tereba said.

“Joe has been a true key to the team’s success and really took on a leadership role as a senior. It has been great to see him grow as a student, runner, and person over the past six years,” said Mr. Costello.

The letter of intent states that the university will provide an athletic scholarship if the student athlete attends the school during that time. He is excited to run locally for WSU and stay in town.

Tereba will be coached by Brett Ayers, a former Cotter track and cross country coach, who is building a strong program at Winona State.

“I have heard a lot of good things about Coach Ayers, and I’m excited to run for an All-American”.