Warrior Rishel signs LOI to run for Rocky Mountain College

WORLAND - Tuesday afternoon at Worland High School, senior Charles Rishel signed his letter of intent to run cross-country and indoor track for Rocky Mountain College next fall.

"It's exciting to see kids take it to the next level and use their background to continue to build," said WHS cross-country coach Tanya Kienlen. "I know he'll be super successful because he's always been a hard worker and a good leader. It's always exciting to see where our runners go in the future.

"The cool part is that he'll be running track as well and I know that speed is one of his favorite things. Yes, I coached him in cross but it's exciting to see that he can do both sports and excel and be a part of the team for the whole year, that's even better."

In his family, Rishel will be the first in a generation to attend college. In October, he wrapped up his Warrior cross-country career and still has indoor track, this winter, and outdoor track, in the spring, to complete before he can close the book on his WHS athletic career.

Having the opportunity to keep running at the next level is absolutely exciting for Rishel, not only will he essentially get paid to run but being on both the cross-country and indoor track teams will be great motivators for the classroom. Plus, there's the added bonus of being able to vent the stresses of college out on the track or cross-country course.

"It feels really good and I know that it will help me do better in school and gives me something I'm passionate about. It will kind of be like a stress reliever from all the stress from the college classes and everything," said Rishel.

Choosing Rocky Mountain, Rishel said that WHS guidance counselor Randy Durr, a Rocky Mountain alum himself, helped him reach out to the college. That's how he came into contact with Grizzlies cross-country/track and field head coach Mike McLean.

As for goals for next fall, Rishel wants to crack two minutes in the 800-meter and compete for a spot on the 4x800-meter relay team.

"I kind of reached out to them with help from Mr. Durr. I've contacted their coach and we talked about me going to run for them," Rishel said.

"He's really nice and more one-on-one with athletes and tried to push you to your best. This college accepts everyone and you don't have to be the best person out there, if you have a passion for running they'll have a spot for you and I thought that was really cool," said Rishel. "I want to break two minutes in the 800, that's a big goal for me. They have a really good team and I would really like to make their 4x800 relay team because they placed in nationals last year."