MISSOULA – Ashley McElmurry decided years ago she wanted to compete in track and field in college. Now, Missoula Sentinel’s multiple-event star has made her dream choice official. The senior gave her verbal commitment to run at Nebraska next year.
Extremely blessed to announce I’ve committed to the University Nebraska-Lincoln to continue my athletic and academic career! Truly a dream come true! #gohuskers #GBR 🌽❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/jqScfsVZeW
— AshleyMcelmurry (@ashaud1109) December 13, 2018
McElmurry has soared past triple jump records at the state meets the past two years. This past May, she took second in the triple jump, long jump and the 300-meter hurdles, and also added a fifth-place in the 100 hurdles for Sentinel’s dominant girls team.
Her mom was a college track athlete and her dad played football for the Montana Grizzlies and in the NFL, so she always wanted to compete at the highest level. McElmurry found the opportunity in an unexpected place.
“Overall, I think they just have the best facilities,” she said. “I really like the head coach (Gary Pepin). I thought we got along really well. And also he’s a jumps coach, which makes it a lot cooler. I wasn’t expecting to like it very much, but when I went there I just fell in love with it. I’ve always wanted to be Pac-12 or Big 10. It’s always kind of been my dream since I was a freshman or even younger. So to finally accomplish that is really awesome. And I’m super excited for the future.”
McElmurry’s versatility makes her want to try the heptathlon at the next level. But first, the soccer, basketball and track athlete will finish up a few more high school sports at Sentinel.
