Keiten Nash has had a profound impact on Marion High School's cross country program for longer than you may think. Like even back in seventh grade. Due to that passion for the sport, and an impressive work ethic, Nash will continue his cross country career after high school. The Marion senior signed on Wednesday afternoon with Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. “I'm just happy, excited,” said Nash. “I'm thankful to all my coaches and family who have been there for me since seventh grade when I got started.” Nash started hanging around the cross country program six years ago and never left. “He was always so into what we were doing and he was always eager to help,” said Marion cross country coach Dana Barlow. “He was up for whatever. Moving tents, cleaning up, he just really enjoyed every part of it, and he was one of the best helpers we have had in my time here.” Nash waited his turn to run for Marion's cross country program, and once he moved up to the varsity, he kept improving his times and late in his junior year, Barlow saw Nash's determination shine through. Marion's 2022 Most Valuable Runner set his mind to running in the 19s but did not achieve it his first couple of meets after vocalizing that goal. But then? “He worked so hard, never stopped doing whatever it took to break 20,” said Barlow. “He didn't get there at first, but then he ran in the 19s at the state meet, the biggest one of the year.” Williams Baptist's cross country program has enjoyed a prosperous fall so far, finishing in the Top 10 of the Lyon College invite earlier this month. “They have a great school and a great coach,” said Nash. “They have a lot of opportunities to keep me at a good academic place in my life.” Despite signing to run in college already, Nash has a few meets left in his Marion career, and he's still hyper-focused on that goal. “I want to finish strong, get better every meet, and make it back to state,” said the senior