Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

One of the most successful distance runners in the state has elected to stay in-state to continue her college career.

Liberty High senior Ashlyn Keeney announced her commit to Iowa State on Thursday with a post on social media.

“I am so incredible grateful and excited to be able to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Iowa State University,” Keeney wrote on Twitter. “I cannot fully express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me to reach this point and to make this decision. A big thanks to the Iowa State coaches for this opportunity.”

Keeney has established herself as one of the top runners in the state over the past several seasons.

A four-time state cross country qualifier, Keeney posted a third consecutive top-10 finish at the state meet placing seventh at the 4A meet in October.

A two-time Mississippi Valley Conference cross-country athlete of the year, Keeney was runner-up at the 4A state meet in 2019 and ninth as a junior in 2020 before placing seventh this season.

Keeney has been even more impressive on the track in the spring.

Already an eight-time state medalist and four-time state champion Keeney was the MVC track and field athlete of the year in 2019 and 2021.

As a freshman in 2019 Keeney won state titles in the 3,000 (10:04.09) and 1,500 (4:34.04) and was runner-up in the 800 and distance medley relay.

Last season as a junior Keeney won the 1,500 (4:41.3) and the 800 (2:12.7) at the Class 4A state track and field meet and added a runner-up finish in the 3,000 and helped the Liberty High distance medley team to a fourth-place finish.

Keeney has also won a pair of Drake Relays titles winning the 3,000 as a freshman and the 1,500 last spring.

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