Cretsinger follows athletic career

Amy Cretsinger was raised in Sisters, attending local schools, heavily involved in community and sports programs.

Cretsinger grew up in a sports-oriented family, where track and field was a frequent topic of conversation.

"I started doing it because I found I was pretty good at it, and then I learned to love it," said Amy.

"Pretty good," seems to be an inadequate description when looking at the list of this young athlete's accomplishments. She took two state titles in the long jump and triple jump and has six runner-up titles. In 2002, Amy was the top female athlete at the state meet, and her team ranked well into the top five. She holds seven Sisters High School records; three of which are still standing.

Upon graduation from Sisters High School in 2003, Amy attended Weber State University on a track scholarship.

During her four years at Weber State, Amy's team won three BigSky league titles. She was second in the all time Top 10 of the Weber State athletes.

"The best part about it was getting my marks out there further and further and continuing to push myself," said Cretsinger.

Unsure of what she wanted to study, Amy focused on general education before considering a nursing career. As her track abilities increased, so did her love for athletics. Cretsinger found herself changing career paths completely. She quickly discovered that as a personal trainer, she would be working in a field she would come to love.

With a tight-knit family back in Sisters, Amy graduated from Weber State University in 2007 and headed back home to Central Oregon. Having worked at the Sisters Athletic Club during her junior and senior years of high school, she began to mull around the idea of returning. When Tate Metcalf, her middle school track club buddy, got her plugged in at Sisters Athletic Club again, it seemed as though it was meant to be.

"Everything just fit perfectly," said Amy.

You may see Cretsinger in the pool teaching water aerobics classes, in the weight room running circuits or assisting clients who are working to accomplish individual goals.

"I love being around athletes and this kind of environment. I like helping people, so this job fit really well," she said.

Cretsinger credits her family and coaches with helping her achieve her goals.

"My family is the biggest and best support system I could have," said Amy.

Cretsinger credits Bob Johnson, the current Sisters High School track coach, with help in receiving her scholarship and providing many lessons along the way.

This summer, Cretsinger will board a Norwegian Cruise line. She was hired as a youth counselor to organize youth camps and programs for children aboard the cruise ship. Departing on June 13, she'll begin her five-week adventure with her first stop in Alaska.