MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho Track & Field/Cross Coun­try program is thrilled to announce the signing of an outstanding middle distance runner from the state of Washington, Malaina Thacker.
 
Thacker hails from Puyallup, Wash., and attends Roger High School.  She has primarily focused on volleyball throughout her high school athletic career, but during the track seasons she has shined for the Rams.
 
Thacker has competed at a very high level in her two years of track & field at Rogers, highlighted by a second place finish at the Washington State meet in the 800m in 2016.  Thacker finished third in the 800m as a sophomore.  She has also twice placed sixth at the Washington State Championships in the 1600m.  She has personal bests of 2:13.2 in the 800m and 5:00.7 in the 1600m.
 
Thacker is a versatile athlete. She is not only a high level volleyball player, but also has competed in the hepthalon while in high school, scoring 3720 points. She also has personal bests 26.7 in the 200m and 59.7 in the 400m to compliment her times at 800m and 1600m.
 
Thacker is just as talented in the classroom and plans to major in exercise science.
 
"We are really excited to have Malaina join the Vandal family. She is a well-rounded athlete with a lot of range, who should make an immediate impact for the distance squad. She is also quite talented in the classroom and should fit in well with the team." -Tim Cawley, Director of Track & Field/Cross Country
 
Get to know Thacker better with The Inside Track, linked on the right.
 
To stay current on all Vandal Athletics visit GoVandals.com, or follow the Vandals on Twitter, @Idaho_Vandals.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho track and field/cross country by following the team on Twitter @IdahoTrack.