Carroll College cross country has signed one of Montana's top high school distance runners for the 2008 season. Robert Brooks of Missoula Sentinel has signed a letter of intent for the Saints and plans on studying pre-med beginning this fall.

Robert is a two-time all-state cross country athlete. This past season, he finished fifth out of 308 in the Mountain West Classic, one of the premier high school cross country meets in the Northwest which draws top level competitors from Montana, Washington and Idaho.

This winter he finished ninth overall and was the second-fastest Montana athlete in the 3,200 meters at the prestigious Simplot Games in Idaho. Last weekend he won the Snow-Joke half-marathon in Seeley Lake with a 1:17:28. This USATF event is considered the Montana half-marathon championships and Brooks is one of the youngest winners in the events 29-year history.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Robbie choose Carroll College. He instantly makes our team more competitive and is an exceptional student-athlete. He had lots of options coming out of high school and took a long hard look at Carroll academics and athletics and decided to continue his career with us" said Carroll head coach Bill Ballinger. "He fits in well with our team and our current athletes are excited he is joining us."

At Missoula Sentinel High School, Brooks maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a member of student government and participates in several clubs and activities. He has been coached in high school by Dave Hamilton (cross country) and Joe Fischer (track and field). His parents are Daniel and Tamara Brooks.