Walnut senior Gabe McElwain announced his verbal commitment to join the Mississippi College Cross Country and Track program today, per his Instagram account.
McElwain made a name for himself during his junior cross-country season. In 2021, he ran under 16:30 for the 5k on three separate occasions. He capped off that year with an MHSAA 2A State Championship (individual and team), a top 10 finish at the 2021 Mississippi XC All-State Meet of Champions, and a strong performance of 16:20 at the 2022 Garmin Runninglane Cross Country Championships.
On the track in 2022, McElwain snagged two more individual state titles in the 1600m and 3200m. His outdoor season ended with personal bests of 2:11 in the 800m, 4:46 in the 1600m, and 9:47 in the 3200m.
Gabe McElwain ran 9:47 at the 2022 RunningLane Track Championships
His personal best in the 5K in current time is 15:30, which is the fastest time in Mississippi for High School boys this year. This performance was done at the 2022 Jesse Owens Classic in Oakville, AL.
McElwain is the second Mississippi athlete to commit to the Choctaws program this week. He will be joining Sidney Stegall in Mississippi College's 2023 signing class.
Last season, the Choctaws made the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships for the first time in program history, where they went on to place 23rd overall. According to the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coach's Association, they are currently ranked 16th in the nation.
When asked for his thoughts on his commitment, this is what McElwain had to say:
"I'm really looking forward to running at MC because of their team environment. When I went for my visit, it didn't seem like a team, more like a family, and that's what drew me into going there. I would also like to thank Coach Reneker for giving me this opportunity. I would definitely not be here without my parents, so thank them."
McElwain will be eligible to sign his national letter of intent on November 9th, 2022.
