This past fall, history was made for Roland High School as it began its cross country program for the first time.

Another piece of history was written when Roland Rangers cross country runner Landon Killer signed his letter of intent with Carl Albert State College in a signing ceremony on Feb. 25 inside the Roland High School commons area.

“I’m just happy for myself,” said Killer, who placed 60th at last fall’s Class 3A State Meet. “I’ve been through a lot of adversity and injuries — and surgery.”

“I am super proud of him,” Roland cross country coach Tina Ramos said. “I know with him being as dedicated to being a runner for me, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll work just as hard for her (CASC coach Kristin Snyder). He’ll be just as successful at Carl Albert. He’s a good kid, student and very self-motivated and self-disciplined. He’s earned every accolade that he’s gotten.”

Snyder first laid eyes on Killer when he ran in the CASC/Poteau Invitational on Sept. 6.

“I saw him compete at the Carl Albert race,” Snyder said. “He did really well (finishing third). He ran well at our open meet. I watched him at all the other local races. He was running with a smile. You can tell he enjoys running. He came and toured the campus. We were a good fit for him academically and to continue his sport.”

Academics was one reason Killer chose to run collegiately with the Vikings.

“I’m doing engineering at Carl Albert,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to major in.”

Another reason Killer chose CASC was its location.

“That was the main reason I chose Carl Albert,” the Roland senior said. “The coach (Snyder) contacted me. Those are the main reasons (for choosing CASC).”

“I’m excited to see the growth that can happen,” Snyder said. “This was his first year to ever compete in cross country. You don’t know what a few more miles under his feet will do for him strength wise. I’m excited to have him.”

“He’s very self-disciplined,” Ramos said. “He runs a lot on his own. This season, he battled through an ankle injury, and he was still successful. He never complained. I’m excited for him.”

Getting to run at the next level was a dream for Killer. With one “John Hancock,” the dream is going to become reality.

“I’m pretty excited,” Killer said. “It’s everything I dreamed of. I’m just happy.”