Daniel Simmons
Salmon (ID) to American Fork (UT)
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Simmons had a breakout cross country season in 2021 representing Salmon High School in Idaho, but he makes the move to the neighboring state of Utah to join an American Fork squad historically known for its national reputation.
While at Salmon, Simmons earned two runner-up finishes at the Idaho State Cross Country Championships. His impressive breakthrough moment came at the RunningLane Cross Country Championships last December when he clocked a massive 5K personal best of 14:37.00 for 21st-place. That mark made him the 11th-fastest boys cross country returner for 2022.
For American Fork, gaining one of the top returners in the country makes for an important incoming asset.
The year of 2022 could be one where American Fork emerges again as a national contender, especially with a talent like Simmons now leading the helm.
The Cavemen finished 10th at RunningLane in 2021 after winning the meet in 2020, but the addition of Simmons quickly makes them a national title-hope in 2022.
This past weekend, Simmons showed early signs that he'll be a key asset for the American Fork boys, finishing as their top runner at the Wasatch Rendezvous in 15:54.57 for three miles. But let's not forget that Simmons holds a personal best of 14:37.00 for 5K -- he'll likely continue to improve for the squad following the tune-up race last weekend.
Plus, he's just a junior, meaning that American Fork gets to have him for two years, which will likely make them a team to watch nationally as well in 2023.
