PRESQUE ISLE, ME

UMPI Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach, Raymond Putnam announces his first commit for this upcoming fall season. Aspen Mitchell, a senior at Mt. Abram Regional High School intends to run for UMPI in the fall. It was a rebuilding year for the Owls this past season, and Coach Putnam has been hitting the recruiting trail hard.

A native of Carrabassett Valley, Maine, Aspen will make the move to UMPI and offers a lot of distance running experience that will help both the cross country and track teams at UMPI. In his junior season of cross-country, he was a second-team all-star in the Mountain Valley Conference.

His personal record for the 1600 meters comes just a shave over five minute at 5:04, and his 3200 meters at 11:53. These times do not come without his excellent work ethic according to his high school coaches. "He loves to make improvements and seeks out those who can help to make him better at what he does," Aspen's track coach James Danala said. "He is someone that I can say truly leads by example Danala said.

His great times in addition to his leadership qualities will be a perfect fit for the Owls' cross country and track programs which are on the rebuild, but certainly, on the up.

Aspen's former cross-country coach, Sam Mathes weighed in on his character as well. "During his senior year, Aspen confronted a variety of headwinds including injury and illness. Despite these setbacks, his attitude stayed positive, and his tenacity and dedication were an inspiration to the entire team," Mathes said.

Of his excitement for the next chapter Aspen said "I am beyond excited to pursue my next steps with UMPI both academically and as an athlete. UMPI just feels right."

The Owls Cross-Country and Track programs welcome Aspen Mitchell as the newest member of the Owls family.