MSU Billings Signs First Cross-Country Runners (May 9, 2003)

BILLINGS, MT – MSU Billings head cross-country coach Dave Coppock has announced that two high school runners have signed national letters of intent to run for the Yellowjackets next year.  Joe Kragt from Worden, Montana and Tiffany Piplica from Riverton, Wyoming will join the team for the fall 2003 season.

Kragt, a four-year letter winner in track, will graduate from Huntley Project High School at the end of May.  He qualified for the State B track meet in the 3200 meter and 1600 meter each of his first three years of high school.  His best 3200 meter time was 10:38 and his best 1600 meter time was 4:45.  Kragt was an academic all-state selection in track and cross-country and will major in business.

“I chose Montana State University-Billings because they have a good cross-country program as well as a good academic program,” said Kragt.  “It is also close to home.  I know a lot of people in Billings and am very familiar with the area.”

Piplica, a four-year letter winner in both track and cross-country, will graduate from Riverton High School this month with a 3.90 grade point average.  She will be joining a Yellowjacket team that has led the nation for team grade point average in each of the past two years.  Piplica was a two-time captain of the cross-country team and was a four-time scholar athlete award winner at RHS.  She will major in biology (pre-med).

“I am excited to become connected to Montana State University-Billings,” said Piplica.  “Through my campus tour I discovered many great programs that I would love to become a part of.  During my visits with Coach Coppock and some of the athletes I noticed how close the runners are as well as what incredible students have been a part of this team.  MSUB is a school full of opportunities.”