Fourteen-year-old Lauryn Cook will be representing the Northern States at the 2013 State Games of America by carrying the torch in the opening ceremony, as well as competing in two events at the games.

Cook has been skating with the Rhinelander figure skating club for 11 years, and has competed at the Badger state games for 7 years.

The 2013 State Games of America, held in Hershey, Penn., is an amature Olympic style event. There are over 10,000 athletes representing 41 states in 26 events. Over 1,000 United States Figures Skating Association skaters are registered for this event, which takes place July 31 through August 4.

A participation criterion for Wisconsin skaters is medaling at the Badger State games.