Hosaflook will continue her running career at Marshall University

Last week, Hosaflook announced she will attend Marshall University to compete as a runner for the Thundering Herd.

“I am excited to get to continue my running career at Marshall University,” Hosaflook said. “When I began running seven years ago, I never expected it to lead me to college. As a distance runner, I will not only be on the cross-country team but also the track team as well.

“When I visited the school in early October, I was really impressed with the facilities and resources — an indoor track, training rooms, underwater treadmills just to name a few. I also like that it won’t be too far from home.”

Hosaflook will become the second member of her family to compete as an athlete at Marshall.

Her father, Will, was a member of the successful Thundering Herd football program guided then by Bob Pruett.

“Through the recruiting process I have gotten to know Coach (Caleb) Bowen and I am really excited to begin working with him. I also already know a few of the girls on the team,” Hosaflook said.

“What it really came down to is the fact that I am going to college to get an education first and I am an athlete second.”

She is interested in pursuing a degree in specialty agriculture at Marshall.

“During my time in high school, all my electives have been agriculture classes,” she said. “I am a member of FFA and have participated in numerous career development events such as nursery landscape, floriculture and agronomy.”

Last month, Hosaflook’s nursery landscape team won the state title while she took first place in the individual competition.

Hosaflook has been a two-time First Team Class AAA All-Stater in cross country while running for Ripley and a state placer on the track.

“As excited as I am to continue at the next level, I have very fond memories of the last seven years running for Ripley,” said Hosaflook. “Our cross-country team is small, but we truly are a family. Coach Jimmy Groves has supported me in more than just running. Even coaches and parents from other teams will cheer for me at races. And the same goes for track. When you run against the same people at each meet, you really do get to know one another.

“My track coaches, Krystle Cunningham and Tom Bailey, are not just there during track season, but come to almost all of my cross country meets as well. Coach Bailey helped get me started in this college recruiting process when I didn’t know where to begin.

“This summer I started running with local distance runner, Jonathan Schiefer. He has been a huge help in pacing me and pushing me more than what I can do myself.

“I have been fortunate to have so many who have supported me all these years.”

And as a future runner at Marshal, there’s no doubt such wonderful support will continue on.