Highland senior Keiffer Sexton runs up a hill during the Washington Cross Country Invitational on September 29. Photo by KCII Sports Nate Gonner.

Fresh off a top five finish in last month’s Class 1A state cross country meet, Highland senior Keiffer Sexton has decided to continue running competitively in college. The Ainsworth native signed a letter of intent to run both cross county and track for the Western Illinois University Leathernecks after he graduates from Highland High School in May.

Sexton was named KCII’s Hedge Above Lawncare Athlete of the Week on October 14, and said during his interview he was 95 percent sure he was going to join the Leathernecks, “They have a strong idea of what I would like to go into.” Sexton said, “They have an agriculture program, a biology/zoology program, as well as a strong cross country team that is looking to improve themselves every season.”

Sexton’s distance running has earned him numerous accolades during his high school career. He was named to the All-Conference cross country team each of his four years at Highland, made the All-District team his final three cross country season, and was tabbed to the All-State team the past two seasons.

On the track, Sexton earned All-Conference and All-District honors his first three track seasons, and gained All-State honors his sophomore and junior seasons. He has competed in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs for the Huskies.

He finished his high school cross country career on Halloween , placing fifth with a time of 17:00 during the Class 1A state meet in Fort Dodge. He also competed earlier this month in the Senior All-Star cross country meet in Ankeny, placing third with a time of 16:30.