Track star makes history for Westminster Prep

Columbia County resident Alex Welsh became the first woman from Westminster Preparatory School to receive a college track scholarship by signing a national letter of intent for track and field with Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C.

In addition, she has been asked to join the Mars Hill women's soccer team. Welsh will begin her studies at Mars Hill in Fall 2004.

"She is not only a talented athlete but also a gifted student. We look for her to be a major contributor in the years to come and to also make a difference on our campus." said Mike Owens, Mars Hill's track coach.

Welsh, a four-year letter winner and four-term team captain at Westminster, pole vaults, high jumps and runs both high and intermediate hurdles as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

She is a leader off the field as well, serving as president of the school's chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. "We are very excited that Alex will be part of our Team next year," said Owens.

Highly recruited by both Mars Hill and Salem College, Winston-Salem, N.C., Welsh is the recipient of the Grayson Scholarship, Mars Hill's highest Honor Scholar award, as well as the Presidential Scholarship. She previously served as a district office intern for Congressman John Mica, Seventh District, Florida and plans to major in International Relations.

Alex Welsh is coached by her mother, Susie Googe Welsh, co-founder and first co-captain of the University of Georgia women's track team.