ONA -- Trey Beckett remembers when he used to serve as ball boy for coach Jack DeFazio and the Cabell Midland boys soccer team.

When Beckett got to Cabell Midland, thanks to some prodding from cross country coach Chris Parsons, Beckett opted for cross country in the fall instead of soccer.

"I never knew running existed as a sport," Beckett said Thursday. "I'd heard about it. In the summer of 2005, I was running to get in shape for Midland soccer. Ran some with the cross country team. Soccer never happened. I've been running ever since."

Beckett appears to have made the right choice as Thursday he signed to run cross country and track at Marshall. The ceremony took place in the school library in front of fellow students, family members, Parsons and DeFazio.

"He's battled injuries. He's come back from knee surgery," Parsons said. "He was out beating the roads getting ready for his final season. I know he's reaping benefits now. He's one of the best in the state. His best years are ahead of him.

"Marshall's the best fit. It's a great honor for Trey and great honor for our program when one moves on to the next level."

In cross country, Beckett made Class AAA all-state in 2007. Last season, he ran on the 4x800 relay team that won in the West Virginia High School Meet in Charleston. The Knights went on to win the team title.

This season, Beckett's back on the 4x800 relay team. He's in the 800 and 1600 and finished second in both events in the Class AAA Region IV meet Thursday night at Hurricane High School.

"I've got to get my mileage up," Beckett said after the ceremony. "I know a lot of the guys I'll be running with, plus I'm close to home."

In college cross country, Beckett will be running 8K and 10K distances.

"I've got work to do," Beckett said. "The competition is going to be a lot tougher."

Beckett also saluted the job Parsons did getting him ready for the next level.

"He taught me lessons about running and life lessons through running," Beckett said. "He's meant a lot to me."

AP Video