HIGH SCHOOL

CAK's Rebecca Story commits to run at Stanford University

Diana C. Nearhos
Knoxville

It was her birthday, but Rebecca Story had a surprise for the extended family gathered. Her mom brought out the birthday cake decorated with redwoods and the Stanford logo.

The CAK cross country and track star committed to run at Stanford on Tuesday, just in time to share the news at her 18th birthday celebration Wednesday. Her mother, Mary Helen, moved quickly to get the cake on short notice.

CAK runner Rebecca Story shows off the Stanford cake she used to announce her commitment to her family.

Story visited Stanford earlier this month and immediately got a good feel for the program. She felt her goals of seeking All-American honors and NCAA titles, and running professionally, lined up with Stanford's.

She will be competing in track and cross country and wants to be a more versatile runner.

Story visited Georgetown and Baylor before Stanford. Even though she knew she liked Stanford best, she visited North Carolina State afterward, just to make sure.