Huskers Add Bayard's Jessi Smith

Nebraska cross country and track and field distance coach David Harris announced the addition of Jessi Smith, a Bayard, Neb., native, for the 2016 season.

Smith is a senior middle distance standout at Bayard High School and holds four state titles entering her track and field senior season this spring. 

"We are happy Jessi has made the commitment to run at Nebraska," Harris said. "We have earmarked the middle distance as an area of need, and we expect her to develop into a Big Ten-level athlete over time."

Smith won the Class C state titles in both the 400 and 800 meters in 2014 and 2015. As a junior in 2015, she set a 400-meter personal best of 57.18. She set an 800-meter PR of 2:15.27 to win the state title as a sophomore. She also earned runner-up honors in the 200 meters as a junior, clocking in at 25.78.