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Senior Student Athlete Profile: Abby Tweeton (Perham)

By Craig Olson, 05/18/20, 8:45AM CDT

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Abby Tweeton’s high school sports career consisted of being part of multiple state championship teams as a part of the Perham Cross Country program, and many successful track and field seasons in the spring.  “I have been there for many state championships, but it is the journey that brought my team and me there that will always be most important to me,” said Tweeton.

“Before I became active in cross country I was involved in other sports, so athletics has always been important to me,” shared Tweeton.  “I believe cross country made me a stronger person mentally and physically.  I have learned how to be a supportive person and leader.”

Abby’s plan is to attend a two-year school, join the National Guard a year in, then maybe transfer to a four-year school or join the work force after her first two years of schooling.

Her cross country coach, Jeff Morris says, “I love Abby because she has a stubborn attitude about her that makes her a gritty competitor.  She has been competing in varsity races for five or six years and has shown grit through many ups and downs.  This stubbornness has made her willing to try new things ranging from distance running, gymnastics, and if COVID had not broken out – pole vault.  I value that you always knew that Abby would be there and give you her very best every time she got to the starting line.  She never complained if you threw her in the 3200 or the 800.  Abby was always willing to do whatever the team needed to be successful.”




As for dealing with no track season and being away from school she says, “It honestly hasn’t felt very real to me yet.  I am not entirely sad about the actual season and competing being canceled, but I am sad about not being with my team or my amazing coaches for the last time.”

Her favorite classes in high school were English and any type of Gym class.

Abby’s favorite quote came from the late Gabe Grunewald, a Perham High School graduate and renowned international runner who said, “It’s okay to struggle, but it’s not okay to give up on yourself or your dreams.”

Tweeton added, “Gabe is a very inspirational person who was taught by a very inspirational person, Jeff Morris.  He taught me that you can do anything you strive for, that everything is mental.  You need to believe you can and then you will.”