After helping the Silo High School track and field team to unprecedented heights this year, seniors Lewis Cross and Taylor Dewitt each recently inked college scholarship offers.
Cross signed on to continue his career at Rogers State University while Dewitt will join Sterling College in Kansas.
Over the course of his high school career for the Rebels, Cross has been a mainstay in medal contention whether it be on the cross country course or track. Those numbers include All Star and All-State recognition in multiple events, which he hopes to carry over to the collegiate level at the S10
Claremore college.
“The community there was really awesome,” Cross commented about Rogers State. “The track team there was very welcoming and it seemed like a good fit for me. I’m excited about the opportunity and glad for all the support of my family and friends.”
While cementing his name in the Silo track record book for years to come, Cross set the Rebel standard that others will look to achieve in future years.
He was Class 3A state runner- up in cross country with a strong time of 16:24.2 and also broke school records multiple times on the track, including with a state runner-up effort in the 800 meters (1:57.64) as well as fourth place in the 3,200 meters (9:41.37).
“It was really not about the medals but more about friendships and everything I have learned along the way about track and cross country,” Cross added. “Run hard, run fast and be confident are what I have tried to stick by. I’m excited to compete and look forward to the challenges to come in college.”
Dewitt was also a key component for the record-breaking Restland Rebel track team this year while helping establish new school records in both the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter relays while becoming a track coaches association All Star in each event.
She helped the Lady Rebels to a fifth place state finish in the 1,600 with an overall time of 4:08.48 and 10th in the 3,200 at 10:26.52.
Continuing on to the Kansas college located in Sterling, Kansas, Dewitt looks to continue that success at the next level, which she has envisioned for some time.
“I have always dreamed of doing this since I was little,” she said of signing to continue to the college level. “It is unreal to finally experience it. Sterling really reminded me of Silo because it seemed like a close-knit place. I really liked the coach and the school.
“It’s a pretty cool opportunity and I am excited to have the chance to continue getting better and better.”
