Nelson, Knechtel sign with schools

View larger image Crystal Nelson, left, and Karly Knechtel both signed letters of intent Tuesday afternoon. Nelson will attend Iowa State, and Knetchel has signed with Slippery Rock (Pa.). Dennis Grundman/Daily

By Tommy Keeler Jr. - tkeeler@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- Millbrook's Crystal Nelson met Lisa Koll, a four-time NCAA Division I champion, at a Nike camp in North Carolina last summer. Koll told Nelson she should consider running cross country and track for Iowa State, where Koll was a standout from 2006 to 2009.

At the time, Nelson wasn't sure that it was the right place for her, but once she took a visit there she knew it would be a perfect fit.

On Tuesday, Nelson made it official as the senior signed her letter of intent with Iowa State. She was not alone, as teammate Karly Knechtel signed her letter of intent with Slippery Rock (Pa.), a Division II school.

Nelson said she hasn't been back since her official visit, but all it took was one trip out west.

"It was fun. It seemed liked the perfect fit for me," Nelson said. "I really loved the atmosphere there. The team placed really well in the NCAAs. They were seventh this year. It's really exciting."

Nelson won the Northwestern District and Region II cross country titles this season. She then finished second in the Group AA meet with a time of 18:30.

Nelson gave her verbal commitment last month. Nelson said she also had offers from Syracuse University, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. She said she was strongly considering Virginia Tech, but once she got the offer from Iowa State the decision became clearer.

"It was a tough decision," Nelson said. "Once I got the offer from Iowa State, I just knew I had to take it."

Nelson's scholarship is a partial one, and she will run on both the cross country and track teams there.

Iowa State had three runners named to the All-America team this past fall. It had only three seniors on its squad and six freshmen. The Cyclones won the Big 12 title for the first time this past season.

In track, the Cyclones are currently ranked 12th in the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll.

Nelson said she's hoping to make into the top seven and help the team continue its success, and eventually she'd like to place nationally as an individual.

Knechtel said she went to a camp at Slippery Rock over the summer and really liked it.
"I just fell in love with the team and everything about it," Knechtel said. "It just had everything I was looking for in a school."

Knechtel said she was also considering Campbell University and UNC Greensboro. Knechtel is receiving a partial scholarship from Slippery Rock. Knechtel gave her verbal commitment last week.

Knechtel also had a strong year for the Pioneers in cross country. She finished second in the Northwestern District meet and ninth in the Region II meet.

"It feels great," Knechtel said. "It's a relief to know where I'm going, and now I can focus on my senior track season."

Nelson and Knechtel are best friends, so it was extra special for them to be able to sign together on the same day. It was also special for Millbrook cross country coach Kevin Shirk and for the cross country and track programs.

"It shows you can get to the next level, if you're willing to be dedicated and put in the hard work," Shirk said. "Hopefully the kids we have coming back will see this, and we'll keep the ball rolling and moving in the same direction."