Nelson picks the University of Oregon

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead High School cross country and track star Zoe Nelson has made her decision.

She'll run next year for the University of Oregon.

Nelson had narrowed her choices to three schools - Northern Arizona, Oregon and Duke - as of last weekend.

"Oregon - I got there and it really felt right," the four-time Class AA state cross country champ told the Inter Lake on Tuesday.

"I really liked the coach (Marnie Mason) a lot and I just really liked the town. I think it'll be a good experience."

Oregon offered a full-ride.

She plans to study biology or genetics with the idea of an eventual career in genetic counseling.

"It's kind of a relief to have it over and have the decision made," she said. "I'm confident in my decision."

Nelson's family has a history in the city of Eugene - both Brooke and Bill Nelson graduated from Oregon. They also still have family in the area.

But Nelson insists her parents did not push her in any way.

"They wanted me to make sure it was my decision," she said.

She admitted she also gave Northern Arizona a hard look, but her decision came down to a feeling - and Mason.

"I just felt we made a connection," Nelson said of the coach. "She just seems very driven."

Mason's goal is to make Oregon NCAA champion.

"I think she's capable of making it happen," Nelson said. "I think our team is going to be really good. I think it's a program on the rise," she added.