Running and learning with the Mountaineers

     Last year, I was left at a standstill. Where would I be going to college, and who would I be running for? Early on, I was contacted by Montana State University, a Division One school, and California State University Stanislaus, a Division two school. When I first began my search, I was open to anything, but by the middle of this year I had become aware of an important aspect that needed consideration. I realized that I was going to school to become a vet and not a professional athlete. Competition was not what I longed for. If I could use running as a vehicle to pay for college in a less competitive program, then I would be content. With this, I eliminated the Division one schools that I had been in contact with. This left Division two and NAIA, a collegiate division outside of the NCAA. Two offers, one in each of these categories, came about that I had to choose between. Luckily both offers were the same allowing me to look at the schools on their merit rather than their offers. Both schools are very academically sound, so I looked at running next. Adam’s State was ultimately more competition than I wanted. They have won 18 of the past 20 NCAA Division two Cross Country Championships. This decision led me to Eastern Oregon which I know is the right and best fit. This fall I will be running for the Mountaineers at a level I am comfortable with while getting the education that I need.