Bryon Fanning signs to run at Montana Tech

As a junior, Three Forks student-athlete Bryon Fanning finished in the top 10 at the Class B Cross Country State Meet, helping his team to back-to-back second-place finishes. Several months later, Fanning would finish the 2022-23 school year in style with two top-ten finishes at the State Track Meet in Butte, including fourth place in the 3200 meters.

The outstanding junior campaign set the stage for what has been quite the senior season for Fanning, who finished third at the Class B State Cross Country Meet in Kalispell in October with a school record time of 16:07.68. Fanning ran his way to All-American Honors in December with a ninth-place finish at the USATF National Junior Cross Country Championships in Louisville.

Currently in the middle of the spring Track and Field season with a goal of a state title in the 3200, Fanning signed last week to continue his running career at Montana Tech.

Before signing, Fanning said he was ready to continue his career in college.

"I'm excited to start my next step, having more people to push me and being in an environment where I can just do my best and see where running can take me," he said.

Regarding his decision to sign with Tech, Fanning said the school is perfect for the engineering career path he wants to take. He has also been impressed with the Diggers team's recent success.

"I think both the boys and girls won the Frontier Conference last year and they seem to be heading the right direction," he said.

Three Forks Cross Country Head Coach Tara Forsberg is proud of Bryon's effort and dedication to running.

"I know Tech is lucky to have him as an athlete as well as a student, and I can't wait to see what he is able to do at the next level. I will miss having Bryon's talent in the program, but mostly, I will miss him as the wonderful young man he is," Forsberg said.

Matt Robb, who has coached Fanning as an assistant with the cross country and track programs as well as the Three Forks Running Club, shared he's also proud of what Fanning has accomplished over the years in Three Forks with school records, massive PRs, multiple All-State finishes, and earning All-American honors.

"He works so hard and is dedicated to the running grind. I am so excited he is able to continue his education and running career at the next level. He's earned it. I can't wait to see the success he will have in college because all of the effort he has put in over the years is going to pay off," said Robb. "He has been a model leader in our program and has motivated so many of his teammates around him. I can't thank him enough for what he has done for the cross country and track teams in Three Forks."

With a little over a month left in this year's track and field season, Fanning said a big goal would be to win the state title in the 3200 and compete well in the mile, hoping to set a school record in both events.

"This year, I've enjoyed the 3200 more. It seems more forgiving for me. I know I don't have the speed yet, but someday, hopefully," he said.

 As far as competing in college, Fanning said he would be doing the 8K for the cross country team, competing in the 10K and 5K in track, and the 3K in indoor track.