Normal West High School sprinter Reid Basting has accepted a quarter scholarship to continue his track career at Eastern Illinois University.

"The No. 1 factor in his choice was Coach (Tom) Akers," said Normal West coach Steve Destri. "He very actively recruited Reid. He's got a great personality and a great track record."

Basting, who also considered Illinois-Chicago and Loyola of Chicago, has personal bests of 49.7 seconds in the 400-meter dash and 22.7 in the 200. He placed third in the Illinois Prep Top Times Indoor Classic 400 this year.

"I really like the school," said Basting, who plans to major in business. "I think it's a good fit for me. They have a very good program over there."

Basting said former Normal West star Brenton Pegues, a member of the EIU track team, "only had good things to say" about the school.

"I think I made a good choice and I'm excited about next year," said Basting, who expects to sign his national letter of intent within a week.