BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s Sawyer Clarkson announced his commitment to Gonzaga University Thursday. Clarkson made his announcement to run for the Zags during a celebration at Belle Fourche High School. 

The senior has put together an outstanding cross-country and track and field career for the Broncs. Clarkson won three Class A cross-country championships for the Broncs. He won as a freshman, a junior and in 2022 as a senior. The Broncs captured the Class A team title in cross-country this fall. 

In May, Clarkson broke the Class A state meet record in the 3,200 meter run (9:24.35). He also finished second in the 1,600 meter run (4:21.61). 

Gonzaga is part of the West Coast Conference. Coached by West Coast Conference Coach of the Year, Pat Tyson, the Zags are coming off a 13th place finish at the NCAA cross-country championships, their highest finish in program history.