Elkins High School two-sport standout Markus Cassiday signed a letter-of-intent on Thursday to run track and cross country at Glenville State College.
Cassiday, who was a key member of the Tigers' track team the past four seasons, will compete in cross country for the first time ever when he gets to college.
"I know my football days are over, so I'm going to give cross country a try in college," said Cassiday, who was a starter at running back and cornerback for the EHS football team. "Ever since I was a young kid I wanted to run track in college. I know its going to be very hard work, but I feel I'm ready for challenge."
Cassiday was a state track meet qualifier the past three years for Elkins. He earned All-State track honors his junior year.
"Markus is one of the greatest competitors I have ever had the privilege to coach," said Elkins High School coach Matt Lewis. "He is an exceptional athlete, a good student and great role model. Glenville State College is quite lucky to be getting such a fine individual to add to their teams.
"It's just unfortunate due to an injury he missed a great deal of this past track season, because an athlete with the heart and desire he has, can't be matched."
Cassiday was a four-year letterman in football at EHS. He rushed for 1,183 yards his senior season and scored 14 touchdowns.
"I'm looking forward to seeing his running career progresses over the next four years," said Lewis. "It's only going to get better. I wish him the best of luck as he continues on at Glenville."
Cassiday plans to major in criminal justice at Glenville State College. He is the grandson of Gail Cassiday of Elkins.
"I can't wait to get there and meet my teammates," he said. "Hopefully I can be as successful as I was here at Elkins High."
