BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – All State Cross Country runner Sawyer Clarkson of Belle Fourche took the next step in his athletic career Thursday, holding a signing ceremony at Belle Fourche High School.
Clarkson is gearing up to run cross country at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington next fall.
Clarkson was recently named All-American by the South Dakota Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Association
Clarkson won back-to-back individual state championships in the Class A state meet earlier this fall with a time of 15:30.28 and led the Broncs to the boys team title by eight points over Hill City.
Clarkson says he fell in love with the Spokane campus when he visited.
“I love the pacific northwest area, and you put all that together with an amazing team, an amazing coach, it was really everything I could ask for.”
As for a career choice, Clarkson says he’s not completely set on it yet, but says “right now I’m kind of aimed at the sports medicine direction.”
The Bulldogs have a good team and Clarkson says he has already got a special bond with coach Pat Tyson.
“When I met him, I really felt I fit in right away.”
Tyson is considered as one of the most successful cross country coaches in the country.
Clarkson’s parents, siblings, relatives and friends were on hand for Thursday’s signing.
