Chadron High all-class gold medalist hurdler Xander Provance announced on twitter Thursday night that he has committed to the track program at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
Provance won the Class B 110m hurdles in a time of 14.46 last spring at the Nebraska state track and field championships, almost a full half second ahead of 2nd place. Equally as impressive was the margin in Provance’s claim to the all-class gold over Javon Leuty of Lincoln High by 14-hundredths of a second.
Chadron High head track and field coach Blakelee Hoffman said of Provance’s commitment, “I’m so excited for him! After all the looks he was getting for football, I thought it was a long shot that he’d choose track.”
Provance was the first Chadron High all-class gold medal winner since Allen Osborn staked claims in 2008, also in the 110m high hurdles.
Provance was also a member of the state qualifying 4x100m relay team.
Hoffman went on to say, “On the other hand, I remember the day after state talking to Dawn (Xander’s mother) about Xander getting contacted by more track coaches. She mentioned that if it was the right offer it may not be out of the question.”
Hoffman closed with, “I think he made a great decision and I can’t wait to follow him at USD!”
Provance’s 14.46 time is just 12-hundreths of a second behind the CHS record set by Osborn in 2008, a record that will be well within reach when next spring rolls around.