by Scott Sacry
Hamilton senior Evan Bennett signed his letter of intent to run indoor and outdoor track and cross country at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) in a ceremony at Hamilton High School on Monday, November 18.
“I really liked the environment when I went to visit there,” said Bennett. “All the people were super kind and welcoming.”
Bennett has been a standout in both track and cross country at Hamilton High School. Bennett took 2nd last year as a junior at the Class A State Track Meet in both the 400m (49.74) and the 800m (1:55.33), and he took 2nd at state in the 800m (158.72) as a sophomore.
“I have been really close to getting a state championship in track over the last couple of years,” said Bennett, “so my goal this year is to win state in the 400m and 800m. And I want to go under 49 seconds in the 400m and under 1:53 in the 800m.”
Bennett was impressed with the facilities and resources of NNU and was able to talk with some of the professors.
“I’m interested in studying sports psychology,” said Bennett, “but I know I’m still young and I may find something else that I like, so I am open to that. “
NNU is a private university in Nampa, Idaho, just outside of Boise, and is one of eight U.S. liberal arts colleges affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. In 2023, NNU had an undergraduate enrollment of 1,774. The NNU Nighthawks are an NCAA Division II school and compete primarily in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
Evan’s parents are Kristen and Travis Bennett of Hamilton.