MOORHEAD -- Claire Howell thought she would compete in track and field in college at a small school not in the bright lights of the Big Ten.
Then Howell won the 400 meters in the Minnesota state track and field meet last June and everything changed. The Spud senior announced on Twitter Monday night that she has committed to run track at the University of Minnesota.
"That win really changed things. I think I'll go to a small school, and then I hit that 55 (seconds) and big opportunities came." Howell said.
Howell won the state meet in a time of 55.39, shattering her personal best which was 56.64. She also had a seventh place finish in the 200 meters and was part of the Spuds 4 x 400 relay team. Now she'll race in the one of the top conferences in the country.
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Super excited to announce my commitment to continue my education and track & field career at the University of Minnesota!! Thank you to everyone that has supported me along the way! Go Gophers! pic.twitter.com/IL37Epj8CA
"I think when it hit me I was at the football game, I got this feeling in my stomach that this is where I wanted to be and I love the atmosphere there." Howell said.
Howell is part of the state bound Moorhead volleyball team, which opens play in St. Paul Thursday against Monticello.
