Men's Cross Country | 1/8/2026 2:29:00 PM

CROOKSTON, Minn. - As a communications major and first-generation college student, I've learned that how you tell your story matters just as much as the story itself. This idea has shaped my academic path at the University of Minnesota Crookston, and it also reflects how I've come to understand my collegiate running career — not as a straight line, but as a process of learning, adjustment, and growth.

I'm originally from Laura, Ohio, where running became part of my daily routine early on. Training meant early mornings before work, late evenings after school, and getting miles in regardless of the weather. Those years-built consistency and discipline, but they also gave me a sense of belonging. As someone navigating the path to college without much precedent at home, running was something familiar I could rely on.

Establishing a foundation carried me to the University of Tiffin, where I began my collegiate career. My first year, however, unfolded differently than expected. Stress fractures sidelined me from August through May, preventing me from competing in a single race. While I remained involved through modified training, the experience forced me to adjust my mindset and redefine my relationship with the sport. During that time, I also struggled with mental health challenges and an eating disorder — issues that often stay hidden in competitive environments but played a significant role in how I experienced my first collegiate season.

My second year marked my return to competition. I opened the cross-country season with a 28:44 in the 8K and steadily improved throughout the fall, closing the season at 27:42. Each race felt like progress, and that consistency led into my first collegiate indoor track season. Focusing on the 3K and 5K, I lowered my time by roughly 30 seconds in each event and earned a spot on the conference roster. From a performance standpoint, it was a successful year.

Balancing success, however, came with challenges. I was managing academics, working alongside training, and placing much of my identity into running. In the process, I neglected my mental health and personal well-being. I remained committed to the program, but over time it became clear that the environment was not the right fit for me long term. Following the season, I made the decision to step away from the sport entirely.

For a period, running became secondary. I continued training independently but shifted much of my focus to work and academics. As I spent more time in the classroom, I became more invested in my communications major and began thinking seriously about my future beyond athletics. During that time, a former teammate reached out and encouraged me to consider entering the transfer portal. After conversations with my family and personal reflection, I decided to explore that opportunity to reset both athletically and academically.

Minnesota Crookston stood out early in the process. Conversations with Head Coach Steve Krouse felt different from previous recruiting experience. The focus extended beyond race results and included team culture, communication, and long-term development. Combined with academic opportunities within my major, Minnesota Crookston offered an environment aligned with what I was looking for. I committed in May 2024 without visiting campus, trusting the direction of the program.

The decision proved worthwhile. During the fall 2024 season, I returned to full competition and recorded a new personal best in the 8K, lowering my time from 27:42 to 26:58. I also made my collegiate debut in the 10K at the NCAA Regional Championships in Joplin, Mo. Just as importantly, I felt supported within the team and connected to the campus community.

My final season brought new challenges. A hip and groin injury disrupted summer training and lingered into the early part of the fall, significantly limiting mileage and requiring extensive cross-training. Preparation included long stretches on the bike and in the pool, along with careful management alongside the athletic training staff. Despite the setbacks, I remained consistent and focused on doing what was needed each day.

As the season progressed, I improved at each meet. By the end of the year, I recorded personal bests in both the 8K (26:47) and 10K (34:12), earning a second-consecutive appearance at the regional championships. Compared to the previous season, I ran faster across the board and finished my collegiate career continuing to move forward.

Looking back, my time at Minnesota Crookston allowed me to complete my collegiate running career in a healthy and positive way. The support from Coach Krouse, athletic trainer Becca (Messick), and my teammates played a key role throughout my time here. Academically, I continued progressing in my communications major while gaining perspective as a fourth-year, first-generation college student.

As I enter my final semester, I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete, grow, and represent the University of Minnesota Crookston. My experience reinforced the importance of balance, adaptability, and finding the right environment to succeed both on the course and in the classroom.