TORRINGTON – Torrington High School senior Tyne Stokes signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her track and cross country careers at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana beginning next fall.

Last summer, she applied to Rocky Mountain just to attend school, but after reaching out to the coaches, it led to Stokes to also continue her athletic career at Rocky Mountain. She fell in love with it and things fell into place for her to continue her athletic career there, as well as academically.

“It was a really good fit with the team and the culture of the school,” Stokes said.

Stokes will run cross country, along with the 400-meter dash and the 800-meter run in track. She said they are also looking at possibly adding the 200-meter dash, but time will tell on that decision.

One of the things which attracted Stokes to continuing her cross country career is the team dynamics.

“I didn’t run cross county my freshman year because I had a lot of classes but joined my sophomore year,” Stokes said. “The team dynamic is so much different with less people, but it’s a really strong bond. I love that, and that’s why I wanted to run cross country in college.”

Up until this season, Stokes balanced cross country with also playing tennis in the fall.

She woke up in the morning, go for a run, go to school and then go to tennis practice afterwards.

Stokes said she improved a lot last fall after just concentrating on her running.

“It was nice to be able to train with the team after school and get the more intense workouts than just running in the morning,” Stokes said.

Stokes finished 36th at state cross country as a senior, but she feels like she’s better at the track with the shorter distances.

“Then track is where I’m a little bit better at,” Stokes said. “I’m better with the shorter distances, and MS [Mark Sims] is just a great coach. I love to work with him and work hard for him. It’s been a great experience.”

Last May at the state track and field championships, Stokes finished sixth in the 400, 14th in the 800, second in the 4x400-meter relay and won a state title in the sprint medley relay.

“I’m really grateful for everyone who has helped me these past four years with great teachers, great coaches, great teammates,” Stokes said. “I’m definitely going to miss my team.”

“She’s been a four-year letterman, and she’s been a hub of our program,” THS track coach Mark Sims said. “She runs the 400, 800, relays. She goes out for cross country. The school is getting a top-notch student and athlete. That’s a pretty big package right there. They are a great family, and she’s a great individual.”