After leading Mountain Vista CO to NXN at-large berth, where he placed fifth, Allred to join Utah 5A state champions Corner Canyon 

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Easton Allred is on the move again.

The No. 6-ranked high school cross country runner in the nation announced via social media he'll be moving from Colorado to Utah before the new year.

"My dad (Darin) actually got a new job there, and also my entire family lives out there, so that's the reason why," Allred said Sunday.

Allred, a junior from Mountain Vista High in Highlands Ranch, Colo., will move with his family Dec. 21 to Draper, Utah and enroll at Corner Canyon High. Allred's two older sisters -- Paris and Savanna -- currently reside in Utah, as well as his brother-in-laws.

Allred explained that his dad, a physician, received a unique opportunity that will allow him to use his pilot's license to fly to rural areas and perform surgeries.

"I think one thing that is hard, is a lot of people just see me just for running, and have a hard time recognizing that I'm part of a family with five kids," Allred said. "The decision had a lot more to do than just me."

Allred is coming off a successful, but non-traditional cross country season that included a runner-up finish Nov. 17 at the Nike Southwest Regionals (14:41.4) and a fifth-place finish Dec. 1 at Nike Cross Nationals (15:05.2).

After being ruled ineligible to compete for the Mountain Vista varsity team by the Colorado High School Athletic Association -- his transfer from Rock Canyon last summer was ruled "athletically motivated" -- Allred spent this past fall running junior varsity and unattached. While he only spent one semester at Mountain Vista, he said he'll miss the team and head coach, Jonathan Dalby, who helped him navigate and prepare him for the championship meets. 

"I think being a part of Vista's team definitely taught me a lot, (including) how to be a good teammate, and how important the team culture is to the team success," he said. "It's tough because I love Colorado, I love Vista, coach Dalby and the boys on the team, have been incredible this past semester. It's really sad for me to leave them, but I'm sure Utah will be great as well."

At Corner Canyon, he'll join a team that is coming off a Class 5A state cross country title and a fifth-place finish at NXR Southwest. While Allred isn't sure of his indoor plans -- he's currently out for six weeks with a stress reaction in his back -- he said he doesn't see any reason why he will not be immediately eligible to compete in the spring outdoor season.

Allred, who tested out of high school classes, and took college courses through Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colo., working toward an associates degree, will continue to take Advanced Placement classes at Corner Canyon, with the credit going toward his associates degree, the same setup he had at Mountain Vista.

Allred enters the track season as one of the top milers in the country. He finished the spring season with a 4:09.49 personal best and clocked 9:08.34 in 3,200 meters at the Arcadia Invitational.

"I was super happy to get fifth at NXN," he said. "I had a rough season, sickness and stuff leading up to NXN. I feel definitely ready for track season, once I'm done sitting out for my back, I think I’ll be in a good spot physically and mentally."

Outside of running, Allred has made a name for himself as a young entrepreneur. He's a self-published author of the book "Fueled: Tips, Tricks and Skills Every Teen Needs To Know To Be Successful" and also has a successful YouTube channel.