Gladstone seniors Kayla Farnes (left) and Tanner Howes are all smiles after signing their letters of intent to run cross country at Bay College on April 30, 2024 at Gladstone High School. ("The Big Dog" Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

GLADSTONE –What’s better than signing one Gladstone cross country runner?

Signing two Gladstone cross country runners.

Bay College did just that on Tuesday, signing Gladstone seniors Tanner Howes and Kayla Farnes to letters of intent for cross country.

Farnes chose Bay for its location.

“I like to be close to home, to be able to see my family and friends,” Farnes said. “I thought it would be a good choice because I could save a little bit of money too and adjust to college before I move away.”

From an academic standpoint, a history of hamstring and shin injuries are a source of inspiration to study pre-physical therapy before transitioning into physical therapy or sports medicine.

“I’ve had a lot of injuries with running,” Farnes said. “I feel like I’ll be able to relate to other athletes who are having similare problems and hopefully be able to help them more because I’ve experienced it.”

As for the support she received on Tuesday and throughout her career, she understands its importance.

“It means a lot to me, Farnes said. “I’m very excited to be able to continue running with a team. It definitely means a lot.”

Howes also inked his letter on intent on Tuesday after a monster senior season.

His 2023 campaign saw him finish inside the top 20 of every event he ran, including nine top-10 finishes, five top-5 finishes and two wins. He also finished ninth in this year’s Division 1 U.P. finals with a time of 17:18.7, He set his personal best time of 17:04.4 during the Sault Elks’ Cross Country Invitational on Sep. 30, 2023.

“It’s definitely what I wanted to do after high school,” Howes said. “I have a strong passion for running. It feels nice to keep going.”

Similar to Farnes, Howes chose Bay for its proximity to home and cost. But his journey to this moment started by simply trying out for tack his freshman year.

Braves coach Gary Whitmer recommended that Howes to try the 1600 meter run. In that moment, something clicked.

“I ended up running pretty fast times for starting out,” Howes said. ” So (Whitmer) suggested trying cross country. I got into it, kept training and got to the point where I am now today.

His long-term academic plan is still in the works, but Howes plans on initially studying business at Bay. But what’s not in the works is what Tuesday meant to him.

“It’s definitely a special moment,” Howes said. “I’m super excited. Definitely happy to take a step to the next level.”