Somerset's Smith furthering cross country, track and field career at Pitt-Johnstown

SOMERSET — Gavin Smith has participated in both cross country and track and field at Somerset Area High School since moving into the district.The senior student-athlete announced his intentions Wednesday to attend and compete on both the cross country and track and field teams at Division II University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown."I chose UPJ because of the engineering program, its proximity to Somerset and its track program," said Smith.

"I felt at home, there. I felt like that's where I belong."He is a PIAA cross country qualifier, lettering each season he participated.



Smith finished inside the top 10 at the District 5-8 Class 2A championships this past season. Smith boasts a 3.8 GPA and plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Headed to Slippery Rock Somerset's Ross signs to run at Division II track and field programTop winter sports moments countdown What's the top Somerset County winter sports moments of the 2024-25 season?"I am looking forward to my education and competing at the collegiate level," Smith said. "The campus is in a nice area. The cross country course is challenging.

The coach is great, and I met the team and felt like I could be myself, there."Smith thanks Jesus Christ, his parents, Tom and Jennifer, as well as cross country coaches Bryan Walker and Kathy Mitchell.The evolution of Smith's running aided in an opportunity to compete collegiately.

"Gavin is just such a great kid and a hard worker," Mitchell said. "The first time he came and ran with us, the coaches looked at each other and said, 'Oh, my. He runs like an old man.

' But we straightened him out. He had a lot to do with that, too. He listened and did everything we asked of him.

He became a really great runner."Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926.

Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset's Smith eager to join UPJ cross country, track and field team.