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Minot High’s Abigail Hoffarth signs with NDSU

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Minot High senior cross country runner Abigail Hoffarth (center) signs her National Letter of Intent at Minot High's Magic City Campus with her father Brad (left) and mother Deb (right). Hoffarth signed to run at NDSU on Wednesday.

Abigail Hoffarth didn’t wait long to take the next step in her cross country career.

After contributing to a strong Minot High School cross country season, Hoffarth officially signed with North Dakota State University on Wednesday. Of Minot’s ten senior runners, she is the first to sign.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Hoffarth said. “It’s really exciting to finally get it out there.”

Hoffarth joined the Majettes as an seventh-grader. Several teammates came to Minot High’s Magic City Campus to support her on Wednesday.

“When I first started running, most of the girls were by my side,” Hoffarth said. “It just feels really good knowing that they are right there until the end. Even if we all run at different colleges, I know we will be forever teammates. We’re all that close.”

The Majettes finished fourth in this season’s state meet, but won all other events held in North Dakota. Hoffarth posted a season-best 19:50.7 at the Souris Valley Invitational on Oct. 5.

Wednesday also held special significance for Minot head coach Carla Wahlund, who served as Hoffarth’s third-grade teacher.

“She was special from Day 1,” Wahlund said. “She’s like one of my own. I’m cheering for her all the time.”

Although Hoffarth is focused on her future, Wahlund took time to reflect on the past.

“It’s always awesome to see individuals meet their goals,” Wahlund said. “I know she has wanted to run collegiately since the seventh grade. She had that drive as a young runner. She’s worked hard. I’m just incredibly happy for her to be able to sign with a good team, especially with where she’s going. I know she will enjoy it.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.

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