Williams and Hetzel Will Keep on Running in College

Two longtime teammates for Coach Delmer Howell's Mauldin High Cross Country team will be taking their strides at the collegiate level next year. 

Brittany Williams and Hannah Hetzel, longtime anchors for Coach Howell, signed letters of intent on Wednesday at Mauldin High School, to compete at Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina, respectively.

A large group of family and friends were on hand to celebrate the occasion.

"Any time you can get your kids to compete at the next level it's a special feeling," Howell said. "It opens up so many doors and experiences that you can't get at any other time in your life."

Howell said he has known both Mike Curcio, the coach at Appalachian State, and Alan Connie, the coach at Coastal Carolina, for quite some time. "Both girls will have great experiences," Howell said.

The girls cross country program is coming off one of the best years in recent memory, finishing in the Top 10 in the state.

Brittany's dad Chris said Appalachian State was his daughter's choice all along with no other schools in strong contention.

Hannah's mom Joanne said Hannah looked at Winthrop closely in addition to Coastal Carolina. Hanna's younger twin sister (by nine minutes) is likely attending Winthrop.

Both Brittany and Hannah are expected to run distances for their future track programs as well.

Follow Mauldin Patch on Facebook and Twitter. Get the newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning by clicking HERE.