Shelbyville High School senior Kilikina Schultz signed her letter of intent Tuesday to continue her track and field career at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio.

“I chose the school because of the nursing program,” said Schultz. “That’s the main reason I am going there. I also wanted to pursue track in college and they are getting a brand new facility this season so I will be the first class to compete on that track. So it’s something where I can do both my passions – nursing and track.”

Schultz was .07 seconds off having one more race as a Golden Bear, but her fourth-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles at the May 24 Franklin Regional brought an end to her career. The top three finishers automatically advanced to Friday’s state championship meet at Indiana University.

Schultz clocked a personal-best time of 46.59 seconds in her final race.

“Honestly, that was probably the best hurdles race I ever had,” said Schultz. “Even though I didn’t make (the state finals), I am happy with how it went over. That is the best I have ever raced (the 300 hurdles). I am glad I was able to end on a high note.”

Schultz will continue as a hurdler at Muskingum, a Division III school located east of Columbus, Ohio, and bolster the track and field team as a sprinter.

Muskingum is in the final stage of finishing the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, the largest capital project in the school’s history. The 119,000-square-foot complex is projected to open this fall.

“They were the first school to send me a letter recruiting me for track last season,” said Schultz. “It ended up being the first school I looked at and the last school I am going to.”

“I looked at other schools but none of them had everything that I wanted,” she continued.

The daughter of Christine and James Schultz, she credits her mother, a nurse, for her career inspiration. That presents a challenge, though, trying to balance athletics with a demanding educational track.

“I am sure it will be a challenge,” she said. “I know it will be a challenge but I have talked with the coaches about it and they say they will be able to work things out.

“I think it will be pretty good. It will help me to stay busy and stay disciplined with my school work and track.”

Schultz made her decision several months ago to attend Muskingum but finally made it official Tuesday with several classmates and Shelbyville track and field coach Nick Blakey (photo) in attendance.

“It’s kind of crazy,” said Schultz. “It’s kind of hard to think about. It’s the next step in my life. It’s a little nerve wracking but I am ready for it … I think.”