LA GRANDE, Ore. – McKenzie Evans has signed a Cascade Collegiate Conference Letter of Intent to run Cross Country and Track for Eastern Oregon University, Head Track and Field Coach Ben Welch announced today.
 
"McKenzie is one of the most successful athletes to come out of Union's historic program and will help provide EOU with strong academic, leadership and athletic skills," Head Coach Ben Welch stated. "As part of Union's power house CC teams, along with fellow senior, Katriel O'Reilly, McKenzie has helped raise the bar for all of Northeast Oregon High School running."
 
While running on the Cross Country team for Union High School, Evans finished third in 2011, second in 2012 and won the state meet in 2013. She set the 1A/2A/3A State Meet course record with a time of 18:42, with her win. Not only did she place in the top three every year at the state meet but Evans helped lead Union High School to three straight 1A/2A/3A State Team titles.
 
Evans' success did not stop in Cross Country, as she saw equal success on the track. During her sophomore year of high school, Evans finished second in the 3,000 meter run and fourth in the 1,500 meter run. During her junior year, she improved on her finishes as she won the state title for 2A in the 3,000 meter run with a state meet record of 10:28.60 and finished the 1,500 in third place. This past year, Evans won the 1,500 meter run in a time of 4:56.29, her personal best, and won the 3,000 meter run for the second straight year.
 
"McKenzie possesses a very strong work ethic that is reflected in her levels of success both in the class room and in running, all while remaining extremely humble," said Coach Welch. "McKenzie also helps with EOU's commitment to keep the best and brightest of the local talent near home- we are both excited and privileged to have her join the Mountaineers this fall."
 
Evans is the daughter of Anetta and George Evans or Union, Ore. and plans to major in science (Biology and Chemistry) with an eye towards a post graduate degree in Bio-mechanical Engineering.