Mile by mile, moment by moment

With quiet determination and relentless perseverance, two standout runners have emerged as driving forces behind Utah State’s cross country program, guiding their teams toward NCAA championship aspirations.

Mimi Miyazawa, seasoned fourth-year runner from Orem, Utah, has become one of the cornerstones of the women’s team. Known for her unwavering dedication on and off the cross-country course, she has consistently earned Mountain West Scholar-Athlete Awards both in track and cross country from 2021-24. But her journey wasn’t always defined by distance running. Mimi didn’t begin as the endurance powerhouse she is today.

“I actually started out as a sprinter,” Miyazawa said with a laugh.

She joined track alongside her close friend — the two do everything together.

“She started doing track. I started doing track,” Miyazawa said.

Before long, that friendship led her to long-distance events and later, cross country.

Miyazawa’s inspiration also came from her family. “My oldest brother actually ran cross country, and I watched him when I was really young … and I was like, ‘Oh, yeah. Like, I want to do that too. I want to follow in his footsteps.’” With his influence, she carried her love and passion of cross country into her collegiate career, where she has become a competitor and a leader.

On the men’s side, from Eagle Mountain, Utah, Jed Megargel is already making waves in his first season of cross country at Utah State. He may be new to collegiate cross country, but he’s already a seasoned competitor for the Aggies. After completing a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he returned to competition for Utah State’s indoor track team last school year. He quickly made a name for himself by earning Academic All-Mountain West and Mountain West Scholar-Athlete honors. His seamless cross-country transition showcases his athletic versatility and drive to contribute to the team.

Running, for Megargel, is in his blood.

“My dad, ever since I was a young kid, has kind of led me to be a runner,” Megargel said. “He would take me on runs with him in the morning.”

Early exposure to the sport led him to middle and high school cross country. Now, he’s bringing that lifelong experience to the Aggies, where he continues to build on his already impressive foundation.

Both Miyazawa and Megargel wasted no time making their mark this season. In their debut at the Utah State Alumni Challenge, their tactical racing earned praise from head coach Artie Gulden.

“Both of them were very patient and waited until the end of the race to really get after it,” Gulden said. While many runners burned out early in the race, Miyazawa and Megargel paced themselves, ready to strike when it counted.

Miyazawa’s race strategy led her to a stunning victory, crossing the finish line first overall with a blazing 5k time of 17:59.1 – one of the fastest times ever recorded by a Utah State woman on their home course. Megargel, too, showed remarkable composure, securing seventh overall and first Utah State man with a 7k time of 21:05.3, the fastest finish by a Utah State male runner on the same course.

As the NCAA Cross Country Championships loom in November, both runners have their sights on helping their teams qualify for the prestigious event.

Gulden expressed his confidence in them.

“They’re going to be very integral parts,” Gulden said. “They have the ability to be a huge part of helping us get to NCAAs.”

Though the program is divided into men’s and women’s teams, they train as one, unified by a shared goal: to make it back to NCAAs as a team. “They’re shooting for the stars,” Gulden said.

Their bond truly sets the team apart – a strong friendship that feels more like a family.

“It’s an excellent team, excellent environment,” Megargel said.

Despite competing separately, they support each other every step of the way, whether on long practice runs or during intense race days.

“Runs are really fun with each other. It’s way better to run with people than by yourself,” Miyazawa said.

When asked what they love most about being a part of Utah State’s cross country program, Miyazawa and Megargel answered without hesitation: the people.

Miyazawa and Megargel exemplify the heart of their cross-country program, illustrating how two dedicated athletes can drive each other toward greatness and inspire a unified team that thrives on mutual support and shared aspirations, creating a legacy of camaraderie and achievement.