Nicki BackusGirls Preparatory School senior Nicki Backus was honored Tuesday at the school for signing a scholarship to row for the University of Tulsa. She also considered Puget Sound and particularly Wisconsin but liked the climate in Oklahoma better and Tulsa's engineering program.
"I really like Oklahoma, and Tulsa (the city) is fun and quirky," said Backus, who is leaning now to chemical engineering or engineering physics. She's in advanced placement in physics and calculus as well as English.
At 5-foot-5 she's a lightweight rower. She's also a highly regarded GPS team captain.
"Nicki is a coach's dream," said Whitney Standefer, a Bruisers coach who rowed for GPS and for UCLA. "Not only is she one of our best athletes, but she's always pushing to be better. She stays late and works harder than anyone. She leads by example."
Standefer said Backus combines the hard-working attitude with a sense of humor and other personality traits that make her well-liked as well as respected.
Another member of the GPS coaching staff, Catherine Ingalls, paid tribute to the "selfless volunteer spirit" that along with her talent has made Backus valuable.
"I am so proud of the ways in which Nicki has developed as a rower and team leader over the past four years," Ingalls said. "She buoys up the spirits of others and is always ready to offer encouragement and optimism to her team."
Contact Ron Bush at rbush@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6291.