DALTON – How do you get the attention of college cross country and track coaches if the high school you attend isn’t large enough to have a cross country program? Ask two-time state cross country and track qualifier, Axi Benish. The Leyton senior signed a letter-of-intent to compete in cross country and track for the University of Nebraska-Omaha next year.

Benish made her collegiate choice after exploring Washburn University, South Dakota State, Doane, Chadron State, and others. Her decision became clear once she met UNO head coach Cliff Cisar. “Honestly, it was all about the coach,” Benish said. “I didn’t really know what college before I was visiting that I was going to go to. But as soon as I met coach Cisar, that was the right fit for me and visiting campus it all seemed perfect for me. So, it was a really easy choice once it came to campus visits.”

Benish is also a two-time state qualifier on the track as well as in Cross Country. She is coming off a 7th place finish in the 1600 Meters and a 6th place finish in the 3200 Meters in Class D at the 2022 NSAA State Track and Field Championships in Omaha last May.

Academically, Benish hopes to pursue a degree not far from her chosen sport. “I took a Psychology class this year through W.N.C.C. and I really liked it. So, I want to go into Sports Psychology.”

With a senior track season still ahead, Benish hopes to finish off her high school career with even greater success.