SEWARD, Neb. – Wheatland graduate Rachel Battershell was involved in many sports throughout her childhood, basketball, volleyball, but running was where her heart was. Her senior year was disappointing because an injury kept her from competing, but her past performance was enough to interest college track teams.
She was awarded a track scholarship to attend Concordia University in Nebraska where is currently pursuing a major in pre medical biology.
In January at the Polar Dog Invite against three other schools, Battershell and her teammates in the 4x400 Relay Race took first place with a time of 3:58.50, a time which qualified them for the NAIA Nationals held on Feb. 28 in  Brookings, S.D.

As of print time - they are third in the nation in their division. At the same meet, Battershell took first in her solo run in the women’s 200-meter run, falling just a smidge from a qualifying nationals time.
“I think the world of Rachel. She is a really great leader for our team,” relayed track coach Matt Beisel. “We’re going up against some of the best teams in the nation. Right now, our women’s team is ranked No. two in our division.”
Battershell still has a chance of running the 200 at Nationals if not enough runners with qualifing times make the cut.
Wheatland should be proud. She’s going to do some great things,” added coach Beisel. “She is one of the kids that’s going to be a game-changer at the national level.”
Battershell is the daughter of Wheatland residents, Lauri Palmer and Ty Battershell.