TFS senior Ethen Besier, center, signs his National Letter of Intent to attend Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado to compete in track and field. Flanking Besier are his parents, Todd and Stacie Besier. Shown, back row, from left, are TFS Upper School Dean Kim Popham, President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy, TFS Athletic Director Scott Neal and Besier’s brother, Anson Besier. (Article/Photo: E Lane Gresham/Special)
Tallulah Falls School senior Ethen Besier signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) November 18 to compete in track and field with the Mavericks of Colorado Mesa University, located in Grand Junction, Colorado. Besier, whose forte is the discus, presently holds school records in both relays, competes in a variety of running and field events, and is a team captain. He plans on studying Exercise Science, with a concentration in Fitness and Health.
“I chose Colorado Mesa University because as soon as I stepped on campus I knew this was where I needed to be,” Besier said. “As I met with the team, the feeling I received from them solidified why I wanted to attend CMU.”
The quote “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” by former Oregon track start Steve Prefontaine is especially meaningful to Ethen. “I want to continue my career in track by taking it to the collegiate level because I have so much to offer and I absolutely love the sport,” Beiser said.
Besier said he appreciates the many opportunities TFS has provided by thanking his coach. “I want to thank Coach Neal for always being there for me answering any and all questions I had,” he said. “Whether it was a simple yes or an elaborate answer, he always was there helping and guiding me along the right path.”
Ethen has received various TFS track and field awards, is a member of the National Honor Society, is President of the President’s Ambassadors, placed fifth at the Junior Olympic Nationals, is a two-year team captain, is a TFS Presidential Scholar, works at Chick-fil-A, and is a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Track and field coach and Athletic Director Scott Neal praised Besier’s involvement in the college selection process. “Ethen had the maturity to own the process of selecting a school that fit his desire for the best environment, an advising and academic program suited to his passion, and an athletic program with an opportunity to thrive and contribute,” he said. “I am quite proud of the exceptional initiative Ethen demonstrated and the many positive traits he strengthened in what actually ended up being not only a memorable process, but one that I will call on him in the future to help other athletes in the same situation.”
Head Mavericks Coach Matt Canterbury had this to say about Besier: “We are excited to have Ethen join the CMU Track and Field team. After meeting him and having him on campus we feel he is going to be a great fit for our program. He brings a lot of upside in terms of potential and we expect him to immediately contribute to the team in multiple events,” Canterbury said. “Athletics aside, he is a good student and a good person who can be a positive influence on our campus.”
Once he arrives on campus at CMU, Besier will be working with event coach Brian Beeman.”We are very excited to have Ethen join our track and field family. He instantly bonded with our team during his visit,” Beeman said. “On and off of the track Ethen has the qualities of making an instant impact here at CMU. His desire and work ethic to be the best will benefit him and our track program in the years to come. We look forward to having him as part of our Maverick family.”
