Bridgeport has another Division I athlete in the mix. And this time, they’ll be wearing Kelly Green and White.

 

This afternoon at the Bridgeport High School library, Julia Muller became the latest athlete to sign a binding letter of intent. Next year, Muller will be a member of both the cross country and track and field programs at Marshall University.

 

Muller signed during the early signing period. She was surrounded by family and coaches.

 

“Their coach contacted me at the beginning of cross country and I talked with him throughout the season. In September I went on an official visit and loved, but I wanted to keep my options open and talked with a few others,” said Muller on why she selected the Thundering Herd. “In the end, it was Marshall because they offered the complete package of what I was looking for.”

 

What the BHS cross country program was looking for from Muller this year, they got. Not only did she finish as the runner-up individually for the entire Class AA-A field, but she also helped lead Bridgeport to a second place overall finish – the highest finish in school history.

 

And the hard work hasn’t ended. On Thursday, with temperatures in the 30s and rain turning into sleet and snow, Muller was out getting a run in.

 

“We’re very excited for Julia because there’s no kid that deserves this more than she does because she’s worked for it and continues to work for it,” said BHS cross country Coach Jon Griffith. “She had other offers, but I think what Marshall offered was a little bit better and it looks to be a better fit for her academically and the type of program; not that the others aren’t good. Marshall just is a really good fit.”

 

Her track and field coach, Emilee Yurish, agreed.

 

“I am beyond happy for Julia. She is such a tremendous athlete and puts so much time and effort into her athletics. It's obvious that her work has paid off and she will be an excellent athlete for Marshall University,” said Yurish.

 

Muller will leave Bridgeport with her name in the record books. Griffith said she is one of the top two all-time in cross country based on time. He said the other is Morganne Phillips.

 

“It’s hard to compare because you don’t always run the same courses and even when you do, you have variables such as weather one runner may deal with and the other may not,” said Griffith. “What I can say for sure is she’s one of the best we’ve ever had and she’s going to find success athletically and academically at Marshall.”

 

As for track, Muller holds the school records in the 800 and 1600. She’s just a few seconds off the mark in the 3200 and she still has her senior season to go with a chance to add that to her collection.

 

“The thing most people may not realize is Julia also has very good speed, which may lead some to think she could do better in track at the 800 and 1600. The thing is we haven’t trained her above running 50 to 60 miles a week so she is the type of kid who could easily have the endurance to run the 3000 or 5000 in college,” said Griffith. “We’ll see and I’m sure she’ll fare well regardless.”

 

Yurish thinks she can run even further distances.

 

“Julia is one to adapt quickly and I'm certain she will do so at the next level.  I believe she will be a great contender in the 1500 meter run as well as the 800 meters.  Honestly, I could see the coaches working with her for the 10,000 meters, too,” said Yurish. “I truly think a number of races would work for her, especially once she gets a good amount of training in for that level.”

 

Muller wasn’t positive what would happen in track. However, she is of the same mindset of her coaches.

 

“I see myself moving up in distance,” said Muller, who will be majoring in dietetics. “I’m thinking distances of 5K or longer.”

 

Adjusting to the next level isn’t always easy. Griffith thinks it will be easier for Muller than most.

 

“I don’t say that because she’s one of our kids. I say that because she already knows the importance of food. She knows about sleep. She knows how to train,” said Griffith. “The things they’re going to be stressing she already does.”

 

All of those things will continue. Muller said there’s one sure fire way to have a chance at success when it comes to running.

 

“You keep running and never stop. All of those miles are collective and when it’s added up it helps you get better and where you want to be,” she said.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Julie Muller signing her letter of intent surrounded by family and coaches at the Bridgeport High  School library. Second photo is of Muller during the 2018 cross country season, while she's shown running for the Tribe track team last year below.