College commitment story
February 23, 2021
Friday evening, Feb. 5, four Varsity cross country and track runners decided to make the transition from a high school athlete to a college athlete. Hayden Podlin, Logan Russell, Zakaria Mohuiddin, and Jordan Duggan will continue for cross country in the fall of 2021.
- Hayden Podlin will continue at Olivet Nazarene University for cross country and track.
- Logan Russell will run cross country at Purdue University Northwest.
- Zakaria Mohuiddin will run cross country at Indiana University Northwest.
- Jordan Duggan will run cross country at Indiana University Northwest
“It is a great feeling knowing what I am doing in the fall and I can’t wait to get my college career started,” Logan Russell (12) said.
After completing the long process of looking at colleges and talking to college coaches, the boys were finally able to make their big decisions. A lot of thought went into making their decisions of where to commit.
“I chose IUN because it’s close to home, as well as I thought the program itself will help me become the best person I can be,” Jordan Duggan (12) said.
Besides bettering themselves as students, the boys also desire to continue working on their running skills. Getting faster and beating their previous times is at the top of their to-do lists. A lot of hard work and dedication is going to be put in in order to beat their goals.
“I am excited for what’s to come, I know under the IUN coach I’m going to get a lot faster and I want to make it to Nationals every year and prove myself,” Zakaria Mohuiddin (12) said.
The coaches had a huge impact on where the boys decided to continue their academic and athletic careers. They even encouraged the boys to think beyond the sport for their decision-making. They want what’s best for the boys’ academic careers as well as their athletic careers. The coaches’ support for the boys truly shows their good character.
“When I visited Olivet, the coach was what really drew me to the school. He was very passionate about the sport and that he really wanted me to be there. He also sent me a picture of the national championship trophy and said this could be you holding that,” Hayden Podlin (12) said.
