Wyoming Standout Picks Arkansas Razorbacks

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

One of the brightest prep running stars in the Class of 2021, and the best ever in Wyoming, has made her college choice. 

Sydney Thorvaldson of Rawlins High, the highest returing placer at Nike Cross Nationals (third), made her announcement Tuesday for Arkansas, which captured the NCAA Division 1 national championship triple crown in 2019 by winning titles in indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, along with cross country.

“Knowing that I can compete at that level is a realization I almost can’t wrap my mind around,” Thorvaldson said. “Coming from a small town in the middle of nowhere really, it means so much to me, to be able to represent Rawlins, the state of Wyoming, the Northwest region, and beyond, in this way.” 

Thorvaldson will join the 20-time Southeastern Conference cross country champions, which already feature the second-place finisher at last year's NXN, Taylor Ewert. 

Thorvaldson ran 10:06.58 at altitude to break her own record in the 3,200 meters last February at the Simplot Games in Pocatello, Idaho. 

Earlier this month, she ran 16:19 for 5,000 meters at the Heritage Distance Classic in Colorado. Prior to that, she clocked 16:57.9 at the Douglas River Run -- the fastest 5,000 by a girl ever in Wyoming. 

GET LISTED - 2021 COLLEGE CHOICES