SPOKANE, Wash. -- Gonzaga men's cross country announced the signing of Oregon distance standout Michael Maiorano to a National Letter of Intent Thursday, adding the first piece to the Zags' 2022 incoming class, 

Michael Maiorano | South Medford HS | Medford, Ore

Set to join the Zags team in the Fall of 2022, Maiorano boasts personal bests of 3:53 (1500m), 8:51 (3200m), and 14:37 (5000m). In the spring of 2021, he placed 3rd and 6th at the Oregon 6A State Track & Field Championships in the 3000m and the 1500m respectively. Just this fall, he took home 4th place at the Nike Northwest Regional in Boise, Idaho.

Michael was born and raised in Timken, Kansas but found his love for running once he and his family moved out west to Medford, Ore. A four-year contributor for the Panthers, his 5K time is the fastest in South Medford history.

"I chose Gonzaga because of the highly motivated staff and team who give the opportunity to be on a stellar team, but also contribute to building the program," Maiorano said. "Also for the great and green city of Spokane embodying my favorite traits of humanity and for the high quality education. Coach Tyson and company have turned the hardest decision of my life into a clear answer with their class-act charisma and work ethic!" 

Tyson on Maiorano: "Gonzaga men's distance running picked up one of the best high school runners not only in the West, but in America. Michael is an amazing student, has an infectious, gregarious personality and is a natural-born leader. Michael will be a major impact guy for our program. We are blessed to have him."