Local stars sign with Lights cross country team

Since he started the program, Montana State University-Northern cross country coach Chad Spangler has brought plenty of local runners into the fold.

Tuesday, Spangler announced that the trend is continuing, with the signing of two local prep cross country standouts to NAIA national letters of intent.

Joining the Northern men's team next fall will be Hays-Lodge Pole 2017 state champion Isiah Runs Above and Havre High's Austin Jones.

Runs Above brings a historic high school racing career to Northern, having won the 2017 Class C state championship last fall in Helena. He was also All-State his junior year for the Thunderbirds and was a standout basketball player at HLP.

"I'm very happy with my decision," Runs Above said. "I'm nervous but excited and look forward to being part of a team.

"I'm happy that Isiah has chosen Northern," Spangler added. "I really think he's going to enjoy the team and compete well in the Frontier Conference."

Jones also brings a standout cross country background to MSU-N's men's team. He competed on HHS' varsity for four years, and in his final prep season, earned Class A All-State honors at the state meet in Helena, with a Top 10 finish.

"I'd like to thank my family, friends and coaches for their support during my high school career," Jones said. "I wouldn't be taking this next step without them."

"Austin is strong and competitive," Spangler said. "I think that he will continue to develop as a runner at the collegiate level. I'm glad he chose Northern."

Runs Above and Jones join a 2018 MSU-N recruiting class that also includes Liam Baez-Terry, who is coming to Northern after a strong career at Chugiak High School in Eagle River, Alaska, as well as Field Soosloff, who hails from Lyons, Colorado.