Runner eyes future at Central Wyo. College

When he signed up, Colton Minard wasn't a high school athlete, or even a student at Green River High School.

"When we recruited Colton, he was running on the side of the road," GRHS cross country coach Craig Leavitt said.

Minard, then a sophomore, was a student at Expedition Academy. Two years later, he would turn down an opportunity to graduate early from EA and transfer to GRHS for a final year, continuing to run and train with the high school cross country and track teams. Graduation isn't something he can put off this year, but the senior does plan to continue competing at the junior college level.

Minard signed a letter of intent to compete with the Central Wyoming College Rustlers in Riverton next year. Minard will compete in the two long distance events, the 1,500 meters and the 3,000 meters. For some, those type of distances represent the most grueling kinds of foot races, but Minard takes them in stride, enjoying the opportunity to run.

"(Running) is a great stress reliever, it allows your mind to wander," Minard said.

Leavitt described Minard as having a lot of natural talent, but said he wasn't the kind of competitor that would simply coast along on his talent.

"Colton is one of the more dedicated kids in the program," he said.

Leavitt said he and his team will miss Minard's quirky personality and the encouragement he would offer to his teammates.

Minard said he'll miss his team, saying he enjoys how they got closer to one another as the season progressed and how everyone helped push each other to improve.

 

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