Keith Howard Signs National Letter-of-Intent with ENMU Men's Cross Country Team

PORTALES, N.M. — Eastern New Mexico University head cross country coach Joel McMullen has announced the signing of Keith Howard, from Sandia High School in Albuquerque, N.M., to a National Letter-of-Intent to run for the Greyhounds next season. Howard will be a freshman at ENMU during the 2005-06 academic year.

McMullen and his assistant coach, Matthew Gordillo, have recruited to rebuild and add depth to both the men’s and women’s cross country teams for the upcoming season, focusing primarily on the tremendous amount of talented runners throughout New Mexico. The ENMU men’s cross country squad finished fifth in the Lone Star Conference and 13th in the NCAA South Central Regional in 2004.

Howard brings in outstanding athletic credentials to ENMU. He was one of the top seven senior finishers at the 2004 New Mexico Class 5A State Championships and finished 15th overall. He has received various honors for his athletic achievements, including: Olympic torchbearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics; Sandia Peak Challenge winner of the 7.2 race to the top, 2002; Sandia High School State Cross Country team qualifier all four years; District 4-5A Champion in 2003 and 2004.

“Signing Keith to our cross country team is huge for this program,” McMullen said. “Keith is probably one of the physically strongest runners I have ever met. He brings a ferocity and intensity to this sport that is extremely hard to find. His work ethic is unmatched.

“Keith has a wonderful family and they are so excited about his choice of Eastern New Mexico University,” McMullen added. “Getting Keith to sign was one of our top priorities this year. I will say this about each of the runners we sign this year: his impact upon the program will be profound and immediate. Sandia High School turns out one quality student-athlete after another, and we are very fortunate to have him with us. He will be instrumental in helping this program reach its ultimate goals.”

Keith Howard
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sandia High School