It may have seemed a late commitment, but when finding the right fit, it often pays to take time.

Such was the case as Powell track and field standouts Danna Hanks and Lexee Craig made it official Tuesday by signing to continue their track and field careers at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota.

“They’re both such hard-working, well-rounded athletes as you can see from the different events they competed in,” said Jennifer Hartman, the Dickinson head volleyball coach and former track and field athlete with the school. “That also shows how coachable they are, and with that, I could see them continuing to do well in any variety of events.”

The Blue Hawks are at the NAIA level and compete in the North Star Athletic Association against schools such as Jamestown, Viterbo, Dakota State, Waldorf and Valley City State.

Dickinson finished second at the NSAA Outdoor Championships this spring and had six Lady Blue Hawks reach the NAIA Outdoor Nationals, with one earning All-American honors.

The pair of Lady Panthers had their options to choose from, with both getting interest from Valley City, among others.

“I looked at Montana State University-Billings, Valley City and Jamestown, as well as Dickinson,” Hanks said. “I knew Dickinson had a great track program and it isn’t too far of a drive from Powell. I wanted to branch out, but not be so far away that I couldn’t come back with a reasonable drive.”

Craig had similar sentiments.

“I liked the times I’ve talked with them and just felt Dickinson was the right school for me,” she said. “The distance doesn’t really bother me, but I bet it will eventually.”

Hanks and Craig arrived at their decisions separately, but take comfort that the other made the same choice.

“Lexee is one of my best friends and it will be nice to know someone when I get there,” Hanks said.

“Danna’s decision didn’t really influence me, but I am excited that we’re both going,” Craig said.

Taking the transition together will certainly help with campus life as well as in the classroom as Craig plans to major in biology, while Hanks is looking at either biology or chemistry.

“I am nervous about doing a sport and trying to maintain a decent grade point average,” Hanks said. “I also hope I get a roommate that likes to go to bed early, because I need my sleep.”

Then of course, will be the transition from the training they did to compete at the high school level, to what they will face at the next level, which, as Hartman noted, is something that fits right into their work ethic.

“The coach hasn’t said a whole lot about training yet,” Craig said. “But I am looking forward to doing the workouts she has planned for me.”

And like any high school graduates, they are just excited about what lay ahead, both in having the chance to continue with their sport, as well as the experience of the next stage of life.

“I’m super excited and can’t wait to be out on my own,” Craig said.

“What is really cool about college is there are just so many people from different places,” Hanks said. “I’m excited to get to know people from all over. But I do know it is North Dakota, so I am preparing myself for long winters.”