This past weekend was a lot of fun. Annika and I drove back to Alamosa to attend the ASC Cross Country and Track reunion. It celebrated the 90 year anniversary of the school opening, 40 year anniversary of the first men's national title, and 30 years since the women won their first national title. While we were there, Annika also had a baby shower in which we received numerous great gifts for our baby's arrival, and got to catch up with some of her friends, including some old teammates from Western State. The reunion was a good opportunity to see old friends and teammates again, some who have stayed in shape, others not so much; and also a chance to meet some of the legends who helped make Adams State what it is today.

Being in Alamosa again brought back so many great memories. I still remember taking my recruiting trip there in February of 2005, thinking there was no way I was going to this school, but hey it was a free visit, might as well check it out. Man, did I leave Alamosa with a completely different mindset. At the time the only place I wanted to go was CSU, staying in the comfortable, familiar surrounding of Fort Collins. But after meeting with a lot of the runners, seeing the school records and national titles, and most importantly talking with coach Martin about what I could become, I couldn't become a grizzly soon enough! Life is all about the decisions you make, and my decision to go to Adams State was one of the best decisions I have, and likely will ever make.


Coach Martin and I, 6.5 years after convincing me to go to ASC

Propelling me from 4:24 1600 and 9:34 3200 personal bests in high school to 3:39 1500 and 13:36 5000 personal bests when I left school was just the start of what ASC did for me. I received a great education, going to classes where the professors taught in small classes, and were available to help outside of class. I received both a Bachelors degree in Mathematics, and a Masters degree in Exercise Science. Adams State helped turn me into the man I am today, I was able to come out of my shell a lot more, developed leadership skills in the classroom and the track, and near the end of my time there, I was extremely lucky to find my wife Annika (who was hiding in Gunnison with those pesky Mountaineers.)

I am extremely grateful for my time spent at Adams State and Alamosa, and was really excited to hear about all the improvements the cross country and track programs will be making over the next few years. To go with the nice new stadium/dorms just built, they will be getting a new outdoor track next summer. Further in the future, they will be building a new indoor track that will be 250-300 meters, as well as a new championship cross country course, having 5k, 6k, 8k, and 10k courses. It makes me a very proud alumnus to see that work is being done to make sure the facilities will match the amazing history of the program.

So my little recruiting advice to any soon to be collegiate runners: if you want to develop into the very best person, student, and athlete you can be... take a good hard look at Adams State.