Cross-country champ headed to MSU-Billings

Mission High School's Andrew Rush has officially committed to run for MSU-Billings after the senior found a perfect fit in the state's biggest city.

"The coaches genuinely seemed interested in me and listening to me," Rush said. "We exchanged stories, and the team had a similar sense of humor as me. While it was the first time we met, it felt like we had been friends a long time. I was immediately about to be myself."

Reflecting on his journey, Rush acknowledged that junior year was challenging for him, and he had concerns about the recruitment process. However, he dedicated himself to training during the summer and found success in cross country, attracting attention from numerous schools across Montana.

With under 16-minute 5Ks and impressive performances in cross country, Rush became the first individual state champion for running in school history.

Rush is eager to step into a leadership role on the team. With two seniors graduating, he recognizes that his time and work ethic have positioned him to make a significant impact. He is ready to put in the hard work during the summer, aiming to be the fastest on the team and assuming the role of a leader seamlessly, just as he did at Mission High School.

Rush plans to compete in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. His main events will be the 1,500 meters and 5K, but he is also interested in trying the steeplechase.

It's a long way from when Mission Cross Country Coach Chris Eichert convinced Rush as an eighth grader to show up to practice, and he arrived wearing skater shoes. He immediately showed promise, but even Rush admits racing at the collegiate level seemed far off during his underclassman years.

Rush would finish as the state runner-up in the 1,600 race in state track as a sophomore, which convinced him to start pushing hard with running. In his junior year, however, he suffered from a stress fracture in his foot and had to come back from that.

"I was nowhere close to good at the start of high school, but finishing senior year as a state champion and having a state record under my belt is pretty cool," Rush said. "If you work hard, it pays off."

While Rush is excited about the opportunities that await him at MSU-Billings, he acknowledges that the transition to city life will be an adjustment. Coming from a small town, he anticipates the wide array of amenities will be both exciting and slightly overwhelming. Rush is ready to embrace new experiences and views this as an opportunity for personal growth.

Rush expressed gratitude towards those who have supported him along the way. He specifically acknowledges his mother for her unwavering support and attendance at every race. He also credits Eichert, who played a pivotal role in introducing him to cross country.

Lastly, Rush expresses his appreciation for his teammates, who have pushed him and become his closest friends.

Rush said he aims to thrive at MSU-Billings. "I just want to show people if you come from a small town, you can still make a name for yourself.”