MSUB Inks another Montana Runner (6/27/07)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State University Billings cross-country and track coach Dave Coppock announced Wednesday that Sarah Jackson of Bozeman has signed a national letter of intent to compete for the Yellowjackets in both sports.  Jackson recently graduated from Manhattan Christian High School.

“Sarah is competitive over a wide range of events, from the 400 meters to the longer distances in cross-country,” said Coppock.  “She's very athletic and has a lot of potential to develop as a college runner.  She has the makings of a great 800 meter runner in track as well as adding quite a bit of depth to the cross-country program.  She's a very good student as well and will be a great addition to the team.”

Jackson excelled on the court and in the classroom at Manhattan Christian.  The honor roll student lettered three times each in cross-country and track as well as twice in volleyball.  She will take on a double major at MSU Billings while competing in cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track.

“One of the main reasons I chose MSUB was because I wanted to double major in special education and elementary education,” said Jackson.  “MSUB’s (education) programs are very strong.  I was also given the awesome opportunity to continue my running career at MSUB.”

Jackson was a two-time team MVP in cross-country and the track team MVP as a senior at Manhattan Christian.  She was an all-state performer in both sports three times as well as an all-conference volleyball selection.

Jackson placed sixth at the State “B” cross-country meet as a junior and eleventh as a senior.  Her personal best cross-country time was 19:40 for three miles.  As a senior in track she placed fourth in the state in the 800 and was a member of Manhattan Christian’s third place 4x400 relay team.  Jackson posted personal bests of 61.1 in the 400, 2:21 in the 800, and 5:30 in the 1,600.

MSU Billings has competed in cross-country for many years and will add indoor and outdoor track and field in 2007-2008.  The inaugural year of NCAA track at the school will also be the Yellowjackets’ first year in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.