Avery Pater (Pipestone, Minn.) has signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball and track and field careers at Northwestern College in the fall.

Pater is a 6'0" guard who played four years for the Southwest Minnesota Christian High School basketball team. A two-time all-conference selection, Pater averaged nearly 13 points, over six rebounds, six assists and four steals per game in leading his team to an unbeaten 29-0 record as a senior. He is the school's all-time leader in assists (476) and steals (316).

"Avery is a tough competitor who experienced great success throughout his high school career," said Northwestern Head Basketball Coach Kris Korver. "He comes from an outstanding program at Southwest Christian and has been coached well. We look forward to getting Avery on campus and competing with our players. He is a great fit for Northwestern and our basketball program."

Pater completed a standout, three-year career running for the Southwest Christian track and field program. He qualified for state in the 800m two years, finishing eighth as a junior, and placed eighth as a member of the 4x800 relay, also during his junior year. Pater has personal bests of 1:58 in the 800m and 53 seconds in the 400m. He plans to study in Business at Northwestern and is the son of Randy and Priscilla.

"We are excited to have Avery join our track and field team for the outdoor season," commented Northwestern Head Coach Scott Bahrke. "Avery is a talented mid-distance runner who will add depth to our squad. He is very competitive and will raise the expectations of his teammates."