Hagerstown’s Kaleb Slagle signed with Evansville to run cross country and track.
HAGERSTOWN, Ind. – A month ago, Kaleb Slagle put together what was perhaps the best post-season race in Hagerstown cross country history.
Slagle finished third as an individual at the Rushville Regional, which was the best ever for the Tigers as the team qualified for the semi-state for the fourth straight year.
On Tuesday, Slagle signed to attend the University of Evansville, a NCAA Div. I school in the Missouri Valley Conference.
“I really loved the campus,” Slagle said. “It was beautiful place and they have the major that I want to do, which is sports communications.”
The Tigers won the Tri-Eastern Conference and the Connersville Sectional in cross country all four years Slagle competed. He also broke Hagerstown’s home course record that was established three decades ago.
“We have three team goals that never change, honest effort, mental toughness and positive attitude,” said Kent Gray, who is Hagerstown’s head coach in cross country and track. “Kaleb exemplifies these goals. In thirty years of coaching I have not seen his equal in work ethic or enthusiasm for his sport.”
“Kaleb is a good student who is unfailingly respectful and considerate of adults and peers,” Gray added. “I believe he has both the physical and mental strength necessary to take his training to the next level and be a successful college runner.”
Slagle is the son of Sean and Brooke Slagle.
“He has provided great leadership for our team and is our school’s “superfan” with his avid support for Hagerstown’s other sport teams,” Gray said. “His lively personality and great sense of humor have made him extremely fun to coach. He’s just a fine young man.”
The Tiger senior was a part of a record-setting 3,200 relay squad in track.
“I don’t know what events I’m going to do in track,” Slagle said.
Something that won’t change is that Slagle will have the same coach at Evansville as Don Walton leads both programs.
“I feel like he and I will be a good mix,” Slagle said.