Josie Givens signs a letter of intent with Utah State University to participate in the school's track and cross country programs. She is joined by her parents Dayna and Chris Givens and former coach Steve Boyd.
A Green River High School track star will continue running at Utah State University.
Josie Givens, who was one of two GRHS all-state nominees in 4A track, recently signed a letter of intent to run for USU in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.
Givens, who ran mid-level distances while in track, said she chose running because she wasn't good at any of the other sports she tried.
Givens has had an incredible amount of success in track and cross county. Former cross country and track coach Steve Boyd described Givens as one of the best cross country runners GRHS has ever had. She finished three of her four cross country seasons with all-conference honors. Boyd believes she could have earned all-conference all four years at GRHS, if not for a bout of mono during her sophomore year. In track, she had four top four finishes at state cross country during her junior and senior years.
Boyd also said she ran two 5K runs with times below 19 minutes on separate tracks. Boyd said it's been a pleasure being Givens' coach during her time at GRHS and has enjoyed watching her grow as a runner during the past four years.
Givens said the university's location is what initially sold her on attending Utah State. Her parents, Dayna and Chris Givens, plan to attend some of her competitions as a result. She hasn't decided on a field of study, but plans to continue improving as a runner, especially in the 800 meters, the event she believes she's at her strongest.
While both her parents competed in sports during their high school years, Chris has developed a large amount of respect for Josie and other mid and long distance runners.
"I got a whole new respect for the kids who do what she does ... those kids have more guts and heart than you can carry in a dump truck," he said.
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