CHICO, Calif. - Pleasant Valley cross country runner Tryon Jardin will race at Division I University of Nevada, Reno next year. 

It's an opportunity he didn't think he'd have until midway through his fall cross country season. That's when Jardin got his 5K time down to the low 16-minute range.

Jardin signed his letter of intent surrounded by his coaches, family and friends. He thanked his coaches and teammates for pushing him to improve every practice. 

"Out of all the kids in every sport we have in high school, only about seven percent make it to college to run," PV Cross Country Coach Vince Phipps said. "Of that, only two percent get to run at the D-I level. It's pretty hard. It means you did something extremely well to get to the D-I level."

The senior ran on his middle school club team and joined Pleasant Valley's team freshman year.

Jardin's biggest challenge was his height. He didn't really grow until the summer before his senior year. That growth spurt combined with his work ethic and technique made all the difference. He became one of the fastest distance runners in Northern California. 

Jardin is the third fastest all-time in the 5K at PV. He is ranked third in the one and two-mile races in the state of California. While he has cemented himself in PV history, he said he's excited to race with the Wolf Pack.

"Just running at the next level," Jardin said. "It's a totally different dynamic. Around here, I'm relatively at the top. It'll be a good experience coming in low and working my way back up."

Jardin visited the campus before committing. He said the program stuck out for several reasons. 

"Their coaching staff and how relatively close it is," Jardin said. "Also, being able to train at a higher altitude. When I went to visit, the team was super cool and friendly. They seem like a fun group of guys."

Jardin said his favorite memory as a Viking was leading the team to the Northern Section Cross Country team title and competing at State. 

Sports Director Jenna Fink joined the Action News Now team in June 2021. For story ideas for Jenna, email 4news@actionnewsnow.com.

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