There’s no greater feeling for anyone than when a dream becomes a reality. That happened Friday afternoon for Webbers Falls cross country runner Cheyanne Herrier. Herrier signed a letter of intent with Murray State College, located in Tishomingo, in a signing ceremony Friday afternoon at Webbers Falls Event Center.
“I am very excited about this,” said Herrier, who was 38th in last fall’s Class A State Meet at Edmond Santa Fe High School. “I’ve been dreaming about it since my freshman year to do this (run collegiate cross country). It just makes me so happy. I’m looking forward to this.”
The Murray State cross country program completed its inaugural season last fall, and MSC coach Justin Wagner can’t wait to see Herrier help out the school’s program in year No. 2.
“I super excited that Cheyanne is coming,” Wagner said. “I think we’re getting a tremendous runner, but even a better person. Her work ethic and character is huge, and you can see what (Webbers Falls) Coach (Meghan) Johnson has done has helped her, too. We’re delighted she’s coming to Murray State.”
For Johnson, seeing the individual who all but helped get the Webbers Falls cross country program off and running having a chance to be a collegiate runner excites her.
“She has been such a trail blazer and setting the highest bar you could ever set for practice,” Johnson said. “For her to see the fruits of her labors paying off, and for all of my younger students to be able to see what hard work can accomplish, is big. She’s getting full tuition. It’s just huge in building my program. I’m so proud of her for coming this far, and taking this step.”
When Herrier visited the Tishomingo junior college, she knew that was where she wanted to go.
“It felt like home,” the Webbers Falls senior said. “I met their team, and it felt like they’re welcoming me. I just enjoyed being down there. It just felt like home.”
In all likelihood, Herrier will be counted upon to make immediate contributions for the Lady Aggies.
“It makes me happy that I’m going to get to run (immediately) and I can get to nationals,” she said.
“Her success here is going to be instrumental to our success, hopefully, moving forward,” Wagner said. “We’re going to lean on that, too.”
Another thing that is very important to Johnson is the impact Herrier has had on the younger Lady Warriors and Warriors as the Webbers Falls cross country program continues to grow.
“I hate to see her go,” Johnson said. “She was so big and instrumental in building this program, and seeing her take those leadership qualities down there and not just be a runner be a part of building another program. I think this is going to develop her not only as a runner but as a person. I’m super excited for her opportunity.”
“I inspire a bunch of kids here to work hard and focus on the sport,” Herrier said.
