HAVRE — Montana State University-Northern announced the addition of two standout cross country runners from the Treasure State on Tuesday, signing Isiah RunsAbove of Hays-Lodge Pole and Austin Jones of Havre.
RunsAbove, a multiple-sport athlete at Hays-Lodge Pole, won the 2017 Class C state cross country championship, crossing the finish line in 17 minutes, 23.58 seconds. He finished second at the 2016 state meet behind Darby’s Evan Duggan, who now runs at Montana State.
RunsAbove recently signed his National Letter of Intent to continue running at Northern this fall, celebrating with friends, family and Hays-Lodge Pole staff.
“I’m very happy with my decision,” RunsAbove said. “I’m nervous but excited and look forward to being part of a team.”
“I’m happy that Isiah has chosen Northern. I really think he’s going to enjoy the team and compete well in the Frontier Conference,” Northern coach Chad Spangler said.
Jones will join Northern this fall after a four-year career at Havre High. He ran at the Class A state meet all four years, recording his highest finish this past fall as a senior. Jones recorded a time of 17:18.69 to finish in 10th place.
“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.”
“I’d like to thank my family, friends, and coaches for their support during my high school career. I wouldn’t be taking this next step without them,” Jones said.
