MOSES LAKE — After having to delay the process due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Moses Lake High School senior Carlie Gregg was finally able to sign her letter of intent to run at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas, this fall.

Gregg, a four-year captain on the cross country team and captain with the track team as well, will run for Saint Mary’s cross country and track teams next season. She said it felt great to finally make the signing official.

“It’s awesome; it makes it a little better not getting my senior track season,” Gregg said. “I’m really excited to continue my career, just going to be different over in Kansas.”

Gregg said she took a trip down to Leavenworth in February to check out the campus with her dad, Darrik Gregg. Arriving a day before her official visit, Gregg said no one was on campus and she wasn’t sure it was the right place for her at first.

“Once I met everyone, the coaches, all the students there, it was so cool,” she said.

Gregg is the first Moses Lake runner to sign to continue on at the next level since head coach Larry Dagnon joined the program. Gregg said it’s an amazing feeling having that honor.

“Larry Dagnon told me he was glad that I was the first one because he’s seen my success through my whole career, and he’s coached me to that success,” Gregg said. “It’s just super cool that I get to be the first.”

Gregg said it was tough having to miss out on her final track season this spring, especially in helping to prepare for next year at the collegiate level. Gregg said training without other runners to train with has been different.

“I’ve been starting out with just runs, normal runs,” she said. “Lately, I’ve gotten more core workouts, hill workouts. It’s gotten more specific as time goes on.”

As Gregg makes the first step towards a new journey, another comes to a close today as the Moses Lake senior celebrates graduation with her classmates this afternoon. She said it’s been a busy time, but added she can’t wait to send off her senior year with the parade ceremony.

“It’ll be good,” Gregg said.

Moving on to Leavenworth next year, Gregg said, she’s focused on trying to be successful in her running career. “That’s one of the biggest reasons why I went down there was for running,” Gregg said. “So, just be successful, and get better at what I’m doing down there, and graduate with a degree.”

She added that she hasn’t landed on a major to pursue just yet.

Gregg said she’s thankful for everyone who’s helped her get to the position she’s in today as she gets set to continue her athletic career at the next level.

“Thanks to all the coaches I’ve had through middle school running cross country and just keeping the love for the sport up through high school, any coaches and teammates that helped me get to where I am,” Gregg said. “My family’s a big part, friends, with all the support that they’ve had. It’s just been great.”