When you’re a national-caliber runner, one that’s sought after by some of the best Division 1 college programs in the country, choosing where to take your talents for the next four years is never an easy decision. At times, it can feel as high pressured as the top-level competitions that’s often raced in a given year.
(Photos by Sterling Verion @rhodeandtrack)
For La Salle Academy junior Marshall Vernon — a gifted runner, multiple-time all-stater, and state champion for the Rams — several key factors influenced his final decision to head west. He chose a school known not only for its academic excellence but also for its storied tradition in distance running. On Saturday, his 17th birthday, Vernon made it official: he’s heading to Stanford, a university that’s been on his radar since childhood.
“I just had a really close personal connection with Stanford for a long time,” he said. “Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a student there. I just kind of grew and nurtured that love a little bit.”
Vernon’s choices were narrowed down to Wake Forest, Michigan, Notre Dame and Stanford. The Cardinal program was the first visit that he made among the schools and one that made the biggest impression on him. Vernon becomes the second La Salle runner in the last decade to commit to the Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse since former Ram great DJ Principe made his commitment to Stanford in 2016.
Over the last few years, Principe has kind of taken the LSA runner under his wings. That helped sway his decision as well as the expertise of Stanford assistant coach Ricardo Santos. one of the top distance coaches in the country.
“Going to La Salle, and obviously having DJ Principe as a role model, a guy I can just talk to now, it’s been amazing. It kind of helped me lean in that direction more,” said Vernon, who verbally committed to Stanford in late May.’ “Coach Santos down at Stanford was also teammate of Billy (Myers), my former coach. I just had that connection as well. When it finally came down to making my choice, I felt a really good connection and bond with the team out there. The academics are excellent. Having that personal connection through DJ and coach Santos was just the final nail in the coffin. It made the choice pretty clear for me.”
While his decision was clear, Vernon admitted it wasn’t easy with the other top schools on his list.
“It was a really tough choice,” he said. “All schools were excellent. I loved everything about them. The teams were great. The coaching was amazing, world class. It was really tough. I think that personal connection was the thing that helped me, and it ended up being an amazing choice. I am really excited to get out there to Palo Alto (Calif.) and start working with the guys and coach Santos.”
It certainly makes sense that a program like Stanford, a consistent top finisher at the NCAA Championships, would have an interest in Vernon. With still one more year left, the La Salle standout has already built up an impressive resume. Vernon is coming off a year where he earned his first state cross-country title. During the indoor season, he defended his individual crowns in the 3,000-meter run and 1,500m. He’s also achieved impressive PRs of 4:10.88 for the mile, 8:35.02 for the 3K and 9:01.62 for 3,200m. His accomplishments regionally and nationally run deep, too. Included among them are a fourth-place finish at the Nike Cross Nationals Northeast Regionals in the fall and runner-up honors at the Armory Hispanic Games in New York City in early January.
A series of calf strain injuries forced him to forgo the outdoor campaign, but that’s all behind him now. On July 4, Vernon competed in his first race since running the anchor leg on the Rams’ sprint medley at the New Balance Nationals In March. In a somewhat relaxed effort, he posted a time of 22:06.0 at the annual Arnold Mills Four-Mile Road Race. He ran alongside Principe and state rival and good friend Sean Gray of Portsmouth.
“The injury is pretty much gone at this point,” Vernon said, “(Arnold Mills) was the first speed day, and I felt great. I’m really excited. It was great to have my friends around and all of Cumberland out here. It kind of felt like a boosted workout. It feels great.”
Prior to answering the gun at Arnold Mills, a handing of the torch of sorts was held at Vernon’s Cumberland home between himself and Principe, the three-time state cross-country champion, who has long been considered one our state’s best distance runners.
“He passed over a Stanford speed suit,” he said. “They have a tradition at Stanford before a big race or NCAAs. Their last workout is in a speed suit. DJ has been holding on to his and figured it was the right time to pass it on. I am really appreciative that he passed it on to me. I am really excited for that.”
And for his next athletic journey at Stanford.
