By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
YEATESVILLE — Suzanne Lee cleared one of the biggest hurdles of her young athletic career.
The Northside High School senior, who has always wanted to attend East Carolina University, made that dream a reality when she inked a scholarship to continue her academic and athletic career at ECU.
Lee, who will study elementary education, will run track for coach Curt Kraft and the Pirates.
Lee credits her high school track coach, Charlie Woolard, for helping her land with the Pirates.
Lee had another outstanding season for Woolard and the Panthers, helping the team win the Atlantic Conference championship and finish runner-up at the regional meet.
The all-around Northside athlete qualified to the state meet in three events. Lee went home with a medal after placing fourth in the 300-meter hurdle event for the second straight year.
Along the way, Lee ran a blistering 47.44 seconds in the 300-meter hurdle event, which was her season-long goal.
Because of her success, Lee was voted the Washington Daily News’ Female Track Athlete of the Year for the third consecutive year.
While Lee is a bit wide-eyed when looking to her future with the Pirates, Woolard thinks she’ll fit right in, academically and athletically.
Lee, also a standout in volleyball and basketball at Northside, will begin her ECU track workout routine on Monday.
It will take Lee some time to adjust to college life. However, Lee, who was awarded a Prospective Teacher’s Scholarship, will be able to take some advice from her sister and future roommate, former ECU Dance Team member Laura Lee.
Lee will also be able to lean on her parents, Larry and Beth Lee, who attended all of her track meets.
After three successful seasons in high school, Lee is anxious to switch from the black uniforms of Northside to the purple and gold of the Pirates.
The Pirates should be as well.