SODA SPRINGS — Cierra Simmons is known for her exploits on the basketball court, but she is also an excellent runner.

    The Soda Springs senior has been part of the perennially stellar cross country team and a state championship-winning distance runner during her time as a Cardinal.

    As the district and state meets are less than two weeks away, Simmons announced her future plans last week when she signed a National Letter of Intent to run cross country and track for the Utah State Aggies.

    “It is so crazy,” Simmons said of her opportunity to run at the college level. “I was kind of a dreamer as a little kid, and now that it is actually happening. I still cannot believe it, but I just signed a paper that says that I am getting to continue running. I am so excited, it is unbelievable.”

    This season, Simmons has the fastest times at the 2A level in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter events. Her 1600 time of 5:10.82 is nine seconds faster than the second best time in the state. In the 3200, Simmons’ gap to second is even larger. With a time of 11:24, Simmons is 17 seconds faster.

    With times like that it is easy to see why Simmons had offers from three other schools — all from the state of Idaho.

    Idaho, Idaho State and the College of Idaho all were vying for Simmons’ services. But after a visit to Logan, Simmons decided to be an Aggie.

    “There was not concrete stuff that influenced my decision,” she said. “I just had a good feeling. When I went and saw the Campus and met with the coaches everything felt good and I was really excited that they wanted to give me this opportunity.”

    When she arrives on campus in the fall, Simmons will participate in both cross country and track. While she has had success at both, she feels that track is her favorite.

    “I have been running track a lot longer, so if I had to pick a favorite it would have to be that one,” Simmons said. “I like to run anything long.”

    Soda Springs is no stranger to success, especially when it comes to cross country. But when asked why the team had won so often, the humble Simmons was quick to give the credit to her teammates and coaches.

    “Everybody here puts the time in to be successful and everyone else follows suit,” she said. “We love each other and help each other along. When one person is fast, everyone is fast.”

    The road from Soda Springs to Logan was a long one. As many high school athletes find out, the toughest part of the recruiting process is waiting to see which schools are interested, if any.

    “It is very stressful and frustrating early on because you really don’t know what is going on,” Simmons said. “But once you find out someone is interested and wants you to come to their school, it is very exciting. The process worked out for me and I am happy.”

    Simmons wanted to stay somewhat close to home for college. Far enough to be away, but close enough to able to come home. Utah State offers just that.

    “I am a family girl and I want to be able to see them as often as I can,” Simmons said. “Being close was definitely a factor for me in my decision.”

    While at Utah State, Simmons plans on majoring in dental hygiene.

    “I am happy with my decision and I know my parents are too,” she said. “I am looking forward to moving to Logan and I know my dad loves the food down there.”