Local prep taking his running down under

It's not uncommon for Havre High athletes to be recognized across the state of Montana. But being invited to participate in the International Sports Specialists INC. Down Under International Games, Kendall Murie has earned recognition stretching nation wide. Murie is a standout cross-country runner for the Havre Blue Ponies. And what he has accomplished as a high school athlete has earned him a spot on a team that will represent the state of Montana in a competition set to take place in both Hawaii and Australia. Murie will make the journey from June 30-July 11. The Down Under International Games began in 1998. Cross-country was one of the original sports, but athletes from all over the United States are also recognized in basketball, cheer and dance, football, golf, volleyball, track and field and wrestling. "It's a good feeling to be recognized," Murie said. "I am really excited about the trip, it's going to be great, and it's really nice how everybody is helping out." The total cost of the trip is going to cost Murie $5,400 and fundraising has already begun to help offset the costs. Prior to the April 1 Fun Run/Walk in Rocky Boy, about $1,200 had already been raised. The Chippewa Cree Tribal Youth Council was responsible for the fundraiser, and after 100 people registered to participate in last week's fun run, Murie had another $1,000 dollars to go towards his costs. Murie's fundraising may take a backseat to HHS's track and field season, where he's a standout distance runner for the Ponies, for the time being, but any help is still appreciated. The Chippewa Cree Tribal youth Council still has T-Shirts available for any donators, and raffle tickets may still be available for two all expenses paid trips to the 2010 Down Under Sports Competition in Australia and Hawaii. Murie will join the rest of Montana's team as well as a team coach once in Hawaii and Australia. They will be competing against other top talent from the United States as well as Australia in a 5K race where individual and team times will be kept. The first 10 finishers in each age group receive medals, and the first five finishers from each team count towards the team score. There will be a lot of top talent running the 5K race, but Murie has proven he is a competitor. He knows he has his work cut out for him, but is also ready to do his best. Murie has earned Class A All State honors each of the last two year's at the state cross country meet. "I think I will set some goals," Murie said. "I will take a look at my competition and try to do my best." Anybody looking to contribute is asked to call Laurie Sun Child at (406) 395-4092.