By Hope Wagner, Staff Writer — Senior Hannah Thompson signed to attend Malone University and participate in cross country Nov. 19. Hannah had been thinking of several colleges to attend, all of which have competitive running programs in Division II cross country. She ultimately felt like Malone had the full package.

“I feel like Malone is the best fit for me because I truly love everything about it. They have an amazing running program and I am already familiar with the coach and my future teammates,” Hannah said.

Hannah’s father, Richard Thompson, ran cross country at Malone under the same coach, Jack Hazen. Hazen is internationally known and has coached the American distance running team at the Olympics in the past.

“I am excited about my daughter choosing this school in particular because it is my alma mater and I know that it will give her exactly what she needs academically and athletically,” Richard said.

Hannah has been running cross country since eighth grade and has ran varsity for every one of her races. Her high school cross country coach, Scott Ferrell, also ran at Malone under Hazen and similarly feels that this is Hannah’s best option.

“Malone is a great school, with great coaches, and an amazing running program. I know Hannah will really thrive there,” Ferrell said.

Hannah will attend Malone in the fall of 2015 and will major in teaching.

[Updated Aug. 8, 2017: This article has been reformatted for consistency.]