Colton Cohen, a Bonners Ferry High School runner, has committed to Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, where he will compete in cross country and track at the NAIA level. 

Though many athletes train for most of their lives in their sport, Cohen began running track and field in the spring of 2024, less than two years ago. 

“I started running my sophomore year for track,” Cohen said. “I just wanted a sport to do.” 

He explained what he enjoys most about running. 

“When you hit that PR, or you get that certain place in a race, especially when you aren't exactly sure it's going to happen, it's such a great feeling to experience and I want to experience it over and over again,” Cohen said. “That's just one of my big motivations for running.” 

Cohen said the running program at Missouri Valley College is on the rise and added that the opportunity still feels unreal. 

“They're just working on building their program up, trying to develop into a team that really can compete with the others in the conference,” Cohen said. 

Cohen said he plans to study exercise science with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer. 

“My big dream would be to be a trainer in the NBA or for professional track athletes,” Cohen said. “That would be amazing.” 

Two years ago, Cohen said he had no idea he would be on the path he is currently following. 

“I didn't know what exactly I wanted to study,” Cohen said. “I didn't expect to be able to go to college to run.” 

During this past cross-country season, Cohen suffered compression fractures in both hips, which limited his training and cut his season short. 

“It happened late August and I got X-rays and an MRI in September,” Cohen said. “They told me it’s a three-to-six-month recovery, so I've just been cross-training. I'm hoping I'll be back by February so I can start running before practices start.” 

“I've got a high standard for myself and what I want to do,” Cohen said. “The main focus with me and my coach is just getting me back and healthy.” 

The injury came just months before the traditional signing period for high school athletes, making the setback especially difficult. 

“After I got injured in the beginning of the cross country season, it felt like the end of the world,” Cohen said. “I was looking forward to being a staple and helping support my team and helping us do the best we could this season.” 

Cohen said the running community has been a major source of support since he began competing, including runners from Timberlake, who are his on-field rivals. 

“Most of the runners you meet, they're some of the nicest people and are very supportive,” Cohen said. “We're competitive out on the field, but then afterwards, it's like family.” 

Cohen also shared advice for younger athletes. 

“You’ve got to believe in yourself and what you can do,” Cohen said. “No matter what happens, if you don't run the time you want, if you don't get the place you want, it's all a part of the journey.”

“There's always going to be someone with something negative to say about you,” he said. “If you take that to heart, then you've already let them win. Don't let those people win.” 

He credited his family and supporters for helping him reach this point. 

“I'd have to really just thank my family — my mom, my dad and my little brother — they're my biggest supporters,” Cohen said. “Through all the struggles, they've helped me and been there to support me. They're really happy that I found something I'm this dedicated to and are excited to see what I do next.” 

“I want to thank everyone that supported me,” Cohen said. “I appreciate all of the people that have believed in me and helped me get to the point where I am today.”